Old Auburn Historic District

Old Auburn is a 22-acre historic district in Auburn, California, taking in the Gold Rush business district, a remnant of the Chinese quarter and a few outlying properties. Most commercial buildings look much as they did in the late 1800s or when rebuilt after the 1855 fire, though paving and utility lines have changed the streetscape. Notable buildings include the 1897 Placer County Courthouse, designed by John M. Curtis; Lawyers Row, built in 1855 of sun-dried brick; Commercial Street storefronts from about 1857; a wooden Chinese Joss House with idols still inside; the post office, described as the oldest in California still in its original building; and the Travellers' Rest and Winery. Auburn began as a mining camp in 1849, became county seat in 1851 and later led the nation in plum production. The district was recognized for its role in Gold Rush commerce, government and architecture.