Welcome to Columbia! In early 1850, nuggets weighing 30 pounds were picked up by a few miners in just a couple days. More than 5,000 prospectors stormed in by the end of the next month! Using placer mining techniques, they created one of the highest yielding spots in gold country. It is a very popular sight. Don't not miss the chance to stop and walk through the town. You can ride a horse, a stagecoach, get a picture taken, hear great bluegrass music and enjoy some fantastic food. For more information, click on Columbia. Back to Sonora Map Back to Sierra Gateway Map