SIERRA COUNTY HISTORY
Created in 1852 from a part of Yuba County, Sierra County is 980 square miles in size and has a population of 3,300. It is California's second least populated county. With the county name a Spanish term for saw tooth mountains, the county is known for its rugged terrain that ranges in elevation from 2,200' to 8,900'. The western side of the county is known for its deep canyons and lush forests, while the eastern side of the county possesses the largest valley in the Sierra Nevada range, the Sierra Valley. We share common borders with Yuba County, Nevada County, Plumas County, Lassen County, as well as Washoe County, Nevada. With 70% of the county national forest system lands administered by the Plumas, Tahoe, and Toiyabe National Forests, it is a vacation paradise. Summer activities include camping, boating, fishing, hunting, and mountain biking to name a few. Winter activities include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.
Sierra City circa 1870 - 1890
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Sierra County's history is tied to that of the California gold rush. While prior to the discovery of gold the county was the home to both Maidu and Washoe Indians, it was the discovery of gold and subsequent gold rush that saw some 16,000 miners settle within the county between 1848 and 1860.
From the period of statehood on September 9, 1850 to the county's creation on April 16, 1852, the area remained a part of Yuba County. It was during that 18 month period that the Spanish woman "Juanita" was lynched in Downieville, the only woman hanged during the California gold rush.
Dozens of communities with colorful name, such as Brandy City, Poker Flat, Poverty Hill, and Whiskey Diggins, were settled and thrived. Communities in the eastern side of the county, with agriculture as their base, grew to provide commodities to the growing gold camps. As the gold rush waned and discoveries elsewhere such as the Comstock occurred, Sierra County's population slowly diminished to its present 3,300.
One of the most visible relics of the rich history of the county is the 1885 Sheriff's Gallows that remains standing adjacent to the County Courthouse. California Registered Historic Landmark #972 and built for the specific execution of 19 year old murderer James O'Neill, the structure was used but once and remains standing as a reminder of the county's colorful past.
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