Calaveras County Historic Sites & Museums

History abounds . . .

For every famous success, there were a thousand smaller stories of people who used their wits, not their shovels -- to find a fortune. Creative entrepenuers were everywhere -- looking for a new angle -- a new way to make money, more money.

Take some time to get to better know and understand those came in search of that opportunity. Enjoy the many historic towns and structures, as well as the museums listed below.

The carriage house has all kinds of horse-drawn vehicles - phaeton, surrey, road cart (driven by kids because they were easy to maneuver), cabriolet, spring wagon, mail stage, water wagon, popcorn wagon, piano box buggy. Outside there is a full size overshot water wheel, Pelton wheel, and "Ol' Beth" steam tractor, ore cart and mining implements.

In the museum are 19th century household items, including iron toy fire engines, tiny children's shoes, a horse-drawn hearse, and a working model of a stamp mill (push the button and it goes into action).

Summer hours: daily 10am to 3pm; Winter hours: Wed. thru Sun. 10am to 3pm

Located in Jamestown, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is home to one of America's last authentic, operating railroad roundhouses. Known as "The Movie Railroad," Railtown's locomotives and cars have appeared in over 200 film and TV productions, including Back to the Future 3, Petticoat Junction, and Little House on the Prairie.

Operated by the California State Railroad Museum, Railtown encompasses a 26-acre steam locomotive facility offering steam powered excursion train rides every Saturday and Sunday, departing on the hours from 11 am to 3 pm, April through October, and Saturdays only in November. Park hours are 9:30 to 4:30 daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Call for fares and special longer themed excursions.

WebNote: The website is quite detailed and interesting.

Dedicated to the preservation of the history and artifacts of Murphys and its generations since the Gold Rush. North wall is the E. Clampus Vitus Wall of Comparative Ovations. Open Friday thru Sunday 11am to 4pm.

Archives and exhibit of historical memorabilia from the Mokelumne Hill area, once populated by nearly 10,000 people. Summer hours: 11am to 3pm Sat. & Sun; Closed in winter.

Operated by the California State Railroad Museum, Railtown encompasses a 26-acre steam locomotive facility offering steam powered excursion train rides every Saturday and Sunday, departing on the hours from 11 am to 3 pm, April through October, and Saturdays only in November. Park hours are 9:30 to 4:30 daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Call for fares and special longer themed excursions.

Depository and exhibit hall for artifacts relevant to the history and the people of Calaveras County. The site of the historic jail that once held "Black Bart" is also open to the public. Open daily 10:00am to 4:00pm except major holidays.

Located one mile from Arnold, on Dunbar Road across the street from Hazel Fischer Elementary School on the shore of White Pines Lake. The six acre museum site includes large artifacts, kiosk, picnic tables and BBQ's. A temporary museum is in operation in a portable classroom at Hazel Fisher Elementary School. Open Saturdays 10 to 4. The purpose of the museum is to:

 • Convey the history of the logging and lumbering industry as it has evolved in the Sierra Nevada region since the early 1800s before the discovery of gold to the present day;

 • Educate visitors about the economic, social, cultural and environmental effects o this industry on the development of communities in the Sierra Nevada;

 • Act as a resource center for education and historical research;

 • Describe current trends in the Sierra Nevada logging and lumber industry, and the social and economic influences that continue to shape it;

 • Keep the history of this industry in the Sierra Nevada region alive so that its historical relevance is not lost.

Natural history exhibits of the area and of the giant Sequoia redwoods. The Visitor Center is open on weekends 11-3 pm except for snowy days in the Winter. Hours during late Spring, Summer, and early Fall are expanded to daily operation 11-3pm.

The primary purpose of Calaveras Big Trees State Park is to make available to the people the two groves of Sierra redwoods within the park boundaries in a condition of ecological integrity. Secondary purposes include providing quality camping, hiking, picnicking and fishing experiences to the public.

Summer hours: daily 10am to 3pm; Winter hours: Wed. thru Sun. 10am to 3pm