Nevada City, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors marked Nevada County’s 175th birthday with a resolution commemorating the occasion at Tuesday’s meeting.
Bernie Zimmerman, chair of the Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission, gave a presentation on the county’s earliest days, starting with its establishment May 18, 1851 during the height of the Gold Rush. “It’s our dodransbicentennial,” he shared.
First and still home to the Nisenan people, the county grew to a population of 21,365 by 1852 as would-be prospectors and their families moved to the area, Zimmerman said. Nevada County was then one of the most populous settlements in the state.
Zimmerman also highlighted Nevada County’s formation, separating from what was then Yuba County. Residents didn’t want to go so far to do government business and petitioned to have their own county with Nevada City as the county seat.
Several of the County’s earliest elected offices, including sheriff, district attorney, assessor, treasurer, county clerk and surveyor, still exist today, though services have expanded alongside a population that has grown more than five times since its incorporation in 1851.
The presentation bridged Nevada County’s beginnings with its modern-day identity. Supervisors listened to a portion of the country song “Nevada County Line” released this month by Nevada County native and Nashville songwriter Jonny Houlihan, drawing from his childhood experiences here.
Chair Lisa Swarthout related to the song’s sentiment about coming home to Nevada County. “I know that feeling, driving that Nevada County line, and I just have a huge sigh of relief that I am home because it is such an incredible place,” she said.
Tuesday’s recognition marks the beginning of a yearlong celebration to commemorate Nevada County’s 175th anniversary. Activities include community exhibits and displays, library reading challenges and programming, outdoor recreation challenges, storytelling highlighting 175 years of community and more. More information and ways to participate will be shared at nevadacountyca.gov/175.