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Sierra County boasts one of the lowest population densities in the state due to the fact that almost all the land is made up of Tahoe National Forest. But don't let the name "Tahoe" fool you as there are no fast food joints, shopping centers and strip malls within 60 miles. Leave your cell phone at home as there's no hope of reception. There's not even a stoplight in the entire county.
The Washoe and Maidu Indians were the first inhabitants of Sierra County. The discovery of gold in California brought droves of people from all around the world to the area in search of riches. The area behind the Downieville Loft is known as the Forks and was a major destination for gold seekers coming from as far away as China. People working across the river from the building at Tin Cup diggins' didn't call there work day done until they had collected enough gold to fill up there drinking cups.
Sierra County was a hub of activity in the 1850's. Downieville was named for Major Wm. Downie, leader of the first gold discovery party in Sierra County. By May 1850 Downeiville had 15 hotels and gambling houses, 4 bakeries and 4 butcher shops. Downieville was one of the 5 biggest towns in the state and narrowly missed being named the state capital. Today there are about 350 residents.
Sierra City was established as a mining town in 1850. Shortly thereafter, in the winter of 1853, much of the town was demolished in a devastating avalanche, forcing the residents to rebuild in it's present location closer to the river. People from the surrounding gold mines and camps often swelled the population in the thousands. Today there are about 300 residents.
Most of the people have gone but much of both towns buildings and their history still remain.
As the gold mines were slowly tapped out and the logging industry was increasingly restricted, Sierra County has turned to it's natural beauty as it's main resource. With over 45 alpine lakes, many snowy peaks and endless miles of creeks and rivers this once bustling hub of activity has ironically become one of the last places in the Sierra where you can "get away from it all".
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