Golden Drift Museum

Location: 32820 Main St., Dutch Flat, CA
Phone: (530) 389-2126
Hours: Open Memorial Day thru Labor Day
  Wed.: Noon – 4 p.m.
  Sat. & Sun.: Noon – 4 p.m.
Admission: FREE!

To schedule a group tour, call (530) 389-2126

The Golden Drift Museum chronicles the glory days of hydraulic mining, the laying of the railroad lines, and other threads in the tapestry of the history of the region.

Hydraulic mining and the transcontinental railroad both had profound effects on Dutch Flat and the surrounding region. Dutch Flat is located approximately 30 miles east of Auburn on Intestate 80.

As in other parts of Placer County, gold seekers combed the region. Two German immigrants, Charles and Joseph Dornbach and their families, established Dutch Flat in 1851.

Gold mining really hit its peak in this region with the advent of hydraulic mining. Dutch Flat and Gold Run, first known as Mountain Springs, were surrounded by hydraulic diggings that produced millions of dollars. These mines were still in full operation when the landmark legal case of California v. North Bloomfield Mining Company and California v. Gold Run Ditch & Mining Company brought the industry to its knees.

Thanks to the foresight of Theodore Judah and the persistence of Dr. D. W. Strong, the route of the first transcontinental railroad passed through Gold Run and Alta. Today, the transcontinental highway system closely follows the route forged by the railroad over 100 years ago.

When visiting Dutch Flat, take time to tour the town and enjoy the community’s many fine Gold Rush era and Victorian buildings.

                                Chinese Exhibit                                                                                                                               Main Street of Historic Dutch Flat