Columbia Historic District - View this location on map Gold was found at Columbia in 1850; by 1853, Columbia was the third largest city in the State. In 1854, a fire destroyed much of the town; fortunately, a considerable amount of brick was used in rebuilding, for a few years later a second great fire swept through. What remains of the 'Gem of the Southern Mines' is the architectural showplace of the California Mother Lode. The town has been continually occupied since its founding. California Historical

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