Mother Lode Country, California: A Reconnaissance Study to Assess Needs and Opportunities for National Park Service Participation in Historical Preservation Efforts

摘要

The discovery of gold in California in 1848 and the great rush to the California mining districts that followed were events of major significance in the development of the United States. This phase of the country's history is not adequately represented in the National Park System. The purpose of this study is to identify historic properties related to the gold rush story that may be considered for possible addition to the National Park System; to identify other 'Ways and means' by which the National Park Service may contribute to the preservation of the major sites and scenes required to adequately commemorate and illustrate the gold rush; and to suggest possible methods by which the National Park Service, in cooperation with the state of California and other agencies, can assist in interpreting the mining story in a unified and meaningful manner. The suggestions made in this report are preliminary. They may be reassessed during more comprehensive studies at a later date to determine fu1ly their suitability and feasibility.