Fall is the perfect time for exploring our state’s many ghost towns. After all, Gold Country looks simply outstanding in vibrant fall colors. If you’re looking to visit a little-known ghost town then you’ll definitely be interested in the destination featured below. When you first think of Northern California ghost towns, Bodie is usually the one that comes to mind. However, there are an endless amount of small but beautiful ghost towns in Northern California that are begging for a visit. North Bloomfield is one of them. Keep reading to learn all about this fascinating town and what it has to offer.
Formerly known as Humbug City, the ghost town of North Bloomfield can be found in the heart of Malakoff Diggins State Park. This wonderfully preserved ghost town will take you back in time to 150 years ago. It's a fascinating place with a little-known history that you'll definitely want to discover for yourself.
Today, you'll find that many of the town's original structures are still standing and a few have been reconstructed. Town tours are offered daily throughout the summer and on weekends during the off-season. During the tour you can expect to learn all about the people who lived here in the 1800s, how mining came to the town and went, and other fascinating historical tidbits.
According to the town's lore, the town was founded in 1851 when three miners discovered gold nuggets in the region. Other prospectors flocked to the townsite but were disappointed when they didn't find any gold. They named the area "Humbug" to reflect their disappointment.
However, hundreds of miners would flood the region during the following years. The small mining camp quickly turned into a small town. The town grew even more with the introduction of hydraulic mining; the use of water to wash away mountainsides in order to discover gold.
In 1857, the town changed their name from Humbug to North Bloomfield. The prosperous little mining town continued to thrive and grew to roughly 2,000 residents by the early 1880s. The town was comprised of several saloons, hotels, lodging houses, grocery stores, breweries, and much more. However, this prosperity would not last long.
Like so many other mining towns, North Bloomfield fell victim to the busts of the Gold Rush as much as it experienced its booms. The final nail in the coffin was when hydraulic mining was officially made illegal in 1884. At this point, miners and families made their departure from North Bloomfield and headed to the next boomtown.
Today, just a few residents remain in the abandoned ghost town. However, North Bloomfield never completely died. After all, it's still very much here and the park has done a wonderful job of preserving the town's colorful history and historic landmarks.
A day spent in Northern California's Gold Country is always a day well-spent. North Bloomfield may be no longer but its history will always be alive. Experience it for yourself and plan a visit to this wonderful ghost town soon.
You'll find Malakoff Diggins State Park at 23579 N Bloomfield Rd, Nevada City, CA 95959. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Have you visited this little-known ghost town? You’ll definitely want to plan a visit to this place before the season ends. Take a look at our list of 9 Creepy Ghost Towns In Northern California for more awesome places to visit!