California State Parks Invites Public to the Columbia Diggins 1852 Event at Columbia State Historic Park

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Columbia, CA…California State Parks and Friends of Columbia State Historic Park invite you to step back in time and experience “Columbia Diggins 1852.” Join us from May 15 – 18 at Columbia State Historic Park for this annual living history event. Immerse yourself in the 1850s as over 100 dedicated volunteers bring history to life through clothing, food and lively entertainment.

Demonstration of 1850s mining techniques in past Diggins Tent Town 1852 event.
Photo from California State Parks.
What: Columbia Diggins 1852
When: May 15–18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Columbia State Historic Park – 11259 Jackson St, Columbia, CA 95310
Cost: $10 per adult, children 17 and under are free! Parking is free.

Event Details

 

The event weaves visitors through some of the lives of those who lived in Columbia in 1852 with stories of early miners and their families, politics, and daily events. Some of the event activities include:
  • Meeting the merchants, artisans and entertainers who have come to the Diggins to “mine the miners’ pockets.”
  • Interacting and observing lifestyles of the early miners as they prepare their meals, launder their clothing and care for livestock.
  • Learning about crafts, how children played, entertainment – including music and gambling. A variety of foods, drinks and other items are available for purchase during the event.
“We just love to entertain and educate the public on this part of California’s past, the Gold Rush. We do it for the love of history,” said State Parks volunteer Susie Webb, who has played a key role in this event for over 15-years. You can find Susie at the American Hotel during the four-day event preparing delicious meals and interpreting hotel life during 1852.

Visitors can also explore the historic town of Columbia.

California State Parks welcomes all visitors. For more information about the event or if members of your group have accessibility needs, please contact the park at ColumbiaSHP@parks.ca.gov or call (209) 536-2649.

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Subscribe to California State Parks News online at www.parks.ca.gov/news or click here.
 
The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.
Friends of Columbia is one of over 80 cooperating associations, working in support of state parks in California. As such, board members, volunteers, contributors and sponsors play a vital role in keeping this important part of California history alive through programs of enrichment. Please visit www.friendsofcolumbiashp.com.
 
Columbia Merchants offer unique dining, shopping and activities in the park. Visitors will find restaurants, saloons, gold panning and stagecoach rides. For more information and contact details, please visit the Columbia business listing.
 
Columbia State Historic Park, located in Tuolumne County, is designated a National Historic Landmark District. The state preserved the area to tell the story of the towns which arose during the California Gold Rush. The park includes more than twenty concessionaires whose businesses, along with park staff and volunteers, help recreate the experience of the California Gold Rush for visitors from around the world. To learn more visit www.parks.ca.gov/columbia or call (209) 588-9128.

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One Response to "California State Parks Invites Public to the Columbia Diggins 1852 Event at Columbia State Historic Park"

  1. Anonymous   April 25, 2025 12:49 pm - at 12:49 pm

    I would spar with Jim Jordan when I was younger on the wrestling mat. I would let Jim win so I would be a winner to wink wink, Sniveler

    Reply

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