Visitor Information | Church of the 49ers

Visitor Information

Downtown Columbia

Columbia State Historic Park, also known as Columbia Historic District, is a California state park and National Historic Landmark District located in Columbia, California. It includes almost 30 buildings built during the California Gold Rush, most of which remain today. Gold was discovered here in 1850; within 3 years, it was the third largest city in California. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961.

It is an integral part of the community, and is an inhabited, working California Gold Rush town. Individuals in period costumes run a handmade candy store, a Daguerreotype studio, and real stagecoach rides, among other stores and restaurants.

The Columbia Museum, formerly the Cavalier Museum, is located in the Knapp building.

Volunteers with the Friends of Columbia State Historic Park host many special living history programs at the park each year. During Gold Rush Days, held the second Saturday of each month, park docents in period clothing lead programs in the park, and there are special exhibits and hands-on activities. Free tours of the town are offered on weekends year-round and daily in the summer.

Columbia State Historic Park has been used a shooting location for many films and television scenes. High Noon includes scenes filmed in 1952 in and around the Wilson House, on Main Street and in front of Engine House #2.