Buildings aren’t just structures. They tell a story—and that story can be shared with you if you’re open to listening. Take a stroll through Nevada County’s history by exploring some of its oldest buildings and the tales they tell.
Start with the Cultural Asset Map
Everywhere you look, history presents itself in subtle ways in Nevada County. From the carved cliffsides at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park—remnants of a gold-mining technique—to the county’s historic cemeteries, fascinating stories are waiting to be discovered. You’ll be passing by history without even realizing it. To help uncover these hidden gems, Nevada County Arts created an interactive map that offers a deeper insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Click here to start exploring.
Williams Stationery Store (1854)
Known as The Brick Store of Silvester and Salaman, this building was completed in 1855 by Henry Silvester and Abraham Salaman. It’s believed to be the oldest original brick (and stone) building in Grass Valley and the second oldest in Nevada County, having survived several major fires. The store has had only three owners: H. Silvester, Paul Wesley Michell, and Elton and Helen Williams. Over its 150+ years, six businesses have occupied the building: H. Silvester Grocery, H. J. Fuchs Grocery, C. W. Jenkin Variety Store, Tresize Brothers Stationery, Williams Stationery Store, and now Make Local Habitat.
Flagg Building
Built in 1856 on the site of the U.S. Hotel, the building was constructed after most of Nevada City was destroyed in the great fire of 1856. Originally a three-story structure, it was reduced to just a brick shell after the 1863 fire destroyed the roof and gutted the interior. Over the years, the building has hosted many saloons and eateries, including the Eternal Saloon, Council Chambers, Schreiber’s, and Eddie Furano’s Bank Club. At Schreiber’s, Felix’s marvelous, mysterious music box played Strauss waltzes and Carmen, delighting generations with its tunes and good cheer.
Nevada City Firehouse No. 1
Fires were a frequent threat during the Gold Rush Era, prompting citizens across the region to form fire companies. Nevada Hose Co. No. 1 occupied this firehouse from May 30, 1861 to 1938. During that time, hand-pulled hose carts, horse-drawn engines, and motorized pumpers all rolled out of this building to protect life and property. Today, the firehouse stands as one of the finest architectural examples of its kind in the northern mining region and is now home to the Nevada County Historical Museum.
Gray’s Station
Even before Truckee existed, its location was a vital crossing point in the Sierra Nevada. In 1863, Joseph Gray saw an opportunity and established a tavern and way station at what became the Historic Town of Truckee, the area’s only building at the time. Located at the corner of Jibboom and Bridge Streets, it served as a resting spot for horse-drawn freight wagons and the California Stage Company.
Old Capitol Building
In Truckee’s vibrant downtown, the 19th-century buildings are full of untold stories. One of the oldest, The Old Capitol, could have a book written about it. After the 1868 fire, William H. Hurd used his Gold Rush earnings to build a fireproof red-brick exterior. By the late 19th century, his restaurant was the social center of Truckee, known for serving the best food between Sacramento and Ogden. It also featured a 15-foot polished mirror that won an award at the 1873 Chicago Exposition.
