A Look Back at Gold Country in the Sierra Foothills
Travel writer Tarmo Hannula recounts his life growing up in—and returning to—the California region where he was born.
Since he was born in Columbia in the Sierra foothills, Hannula has returned there several times to soak in some of the history and get a deeper understanding of California’s Mother Lode.
Heading east of Modesto along Highway 49, his interest spikes as the low rolling hills fill his windshield, replacing shopping malls, freeways, and factory yards.
The population of Columbia surged due to the craze for California gold, and it was founded as a boomtown in 1850 in Tuolumne County.
- The California Gold Rush drew people from around the world, including:
- Australia
- China
- Chile
- Mexico
- European nations such as Ireland, Germany, and France
Columbia eventually earned the title of the Gem of the Southern Mines.
Despite the onslaught of gold diggers, very few of them went home rich.
Author's summary: Tarmo Hannula shares his experiences in Gold Country.