Historic Columbia: 1850s Town used as Movie Location

Columbia, California in Tuolumne County is one of the most well visited parks that gives all a feel for the way things appeared shortly after the Gold Rush. Many of the old buildings date back to the 1850s which is why a number of Hollywood movies have been shot here, including "High Noon" with Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly; "Rage at Dawn" with Randolph Scott and Mala Powers; "Shadow Riders" with Tom Selleck, Katherine Ross, Sam Elliott and Ben Johnson; and "Pale Rider" with Clint Eastwood.
Come along as Jeff shows you were the movies were shot and the historical buildings in this timeless park.
#historyhunters #columbiastatepark #tuolumnecounty #californiahistory
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[@DALEf4u]

Last May I spent a weekend with my brother and his wife in Columbia for the “ Columbia Diggins Tent Town 1852” event. The reenactors teach people about how they lived back then. The event brings in a lot of people. We stayed in the City Hotel that was built in 1852 across the street from the house that was used in High Noon. Jeff you should return to Columbia in May and do a video on the tent town event. I’m sure your viewers would find it interesting.

[@richardrichard9953]

Always fun

[@rvingwithtjandcheryl879]

I love this city , and yes I touched the same picket of the picket fence that Gary Cooper touched

[@JenniferBristol]

Several years ago, they had an open house after Mrs McConnell passed, and I got to see the inside of her home. It was quite a treat, since she lived there during the filming of High Noon.

[@irishgip71]

Your videos should be mandatory to watch for high schoolers. Great one again sir.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much! I’d love that! I heard from a waitress in one of the restaurants that we go to that she was required to watch our video on Ellie Nessler in her criminal justice class. That was in junior college.!

[@angelsutton416]

I AGREE !!!!

[@skimmer8774]

I really like these visits to old towns. The way they did things required hard work unlike today where a push of a button will do the same. Thanks for the great tour Jeff .

[@cahlen]

agree!

[@lendillon5086]

I was raised in Fremont, but when my folks moved there in 1951 it was called Irvington. It was dairy farms and orchards. No interstates, just two-lane roads/highways. I've been to Columbia many times throughout my life. I enjoyed this video very much, you brought back great memories for me. I love your program and always look forward to your subject matter. Please keep on producing and sharing. Len

[@jbenziggy]

Wow, thanks, Len. I appreciate all that you shared! By the way I didn't know about the Irvington name!

[@churchofpos2279]

@@jbenziggy Fremont was actually 5 communities that combined together to become the City of Fremont: Niles, Centerville, Irvington, Mission, Warm Springs. Niles was well known for The Charlie Chaplin movies and other silent films made there. Mission was well known for being part of the original California Mission system. I lived in the Irvington district and in Niles.

[@jbenziggy]

@@churchofpos2279 yeah, I knew about Niles because we did a video on the studio there and Charlie Chaplin filming locations.

[@giannavlogs6009]

Columbia has been a special place for me since childhood. I really cherish your videos about Columbia, and all of your Gold Country videos in general (and all of your videos, for that matter). Until today, I had no idea that Columbia started as a mining camp. Thank you for the time and effort put into these videos. I only get to the Gold Country once a year, if I’m lucky, so it’s nice getting to see them through the lens. Take care, Jeff and Sarah.

[@rhondaharp6168]

Shadow Riders is one of my favorite movies. I adored Tom Selleck, Ben Johnson & Sam Elliott

[@jbenziggy]

It’s because of Tom, huh? 😜

[@rhondaharp6168]

@@jbenziggy it's the mustaches

[@user-hg7xu5kd7f]

Good morning from Lodi, California. My wife and I go to Columbia, to have pizza. Thank you for your videos.

[@jbenziggy]

Pizza at the saloon right? I hear it’s really good.

[@Learn-more610]

. I like to imagine an old historic place like this in it's prime, and with population of 25 thousands? Those small dirt roads must have been flowing with carriages and people. The rustic houses look so cozy, with so much history.

[@curtgomes]

Thanks Jeff, I live in Northern California and have been to Columbia a number of times. It and the surrounding area are truly historic, incredibly interesting and beautiful. The entire gold country area has so much history from the mid 1800s. We also have friends and family in the area. My wife and I were married 40years ago in Sutter Creek in the gold country about an hour away from Columbia. We try to visit the Sonora area whenever we drive to Yosemite. So many wonderful memories. There's a ton of history everywhere one looks in the Gold Country.

[@robertbiastre6037]

Thank you Jeff and Sarah. With all the current events happening, the dunce caps would have to be bulk ordered by the schools! Thanks again for the tour!

[@jbenziggy]

Well said! We have a lot of smart kids, of course, but the system seems to flush out kids who don't even know the basics in life.

[@michaelgmoore5708]

Hi Jeff, I was in that area in the 1950s to 70s. A lot of classic buildings there. Kind of reminded me of the old Knott's berry farm back then. A few açtors there too, met a few Character actors like Ben Johnson but don't remember much about it since that was over 50 years ago. Your episodes are the best I have seen in years. Please do more on those old towns where movies have been made in California. Thank You Jeff& Sarah!

[@bartardis8729]

Great video! My dad was the stunt double for Jeff osterhage. I went to the cast party and got to meet Tom Selleck and Sam Elliot when I was a little kid

[@suzanneochs1543]

I ❤ COLUMBIA !!! Thanks for taking us along and teaching us things I never knew about that wonderful old town !!

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thank you so much for watching and commenting again!

[@MrBucidart]

I only live 3 miles away from Columbia and went to Columbia elementary school, Thank you for the time you took to put this vid together. Today the Charlie (St. Charles) has some of the greatest pizza available, the Nelson candy kitchen is also a great place to visit. My grandmother Elvira Queirol went to the old school, and I have several relatives buried in all of the nearby cemetery's. I remember taking a six pack of beer to my buddy that was the "Bandit" that held up the stage, we were 16 or 17.

[@danellekewish4433]

Since I live in the area, I have helped to chaperone many school field trips to Columbia. (One year, my group of teenage boys I thought were staying just far enough ahead of me that I wasn't seeing them...turns out, they took off and went to Columbia Airport!) That was my last year of volunteering to chaperone. But year after year, I'm constantly amazed at the amount of tourists that come to Columbia. Thank you for this episode, I learned a lot I didn't know.

[@melindagordonbeck8958]

We miss Columbia so much. That was one of our favorite places to visit in Gold Country. We’d spend a weekend just driving through and stopping in Columbia. Thanks Jeff! I’m gonna go cry a little now…your biggest Tennessee (formerly California) fans!♥️

[@jaydee7017]

My dad was raised halfway between Columbia and Twain Harte in a little place called Jupiter on Italian Bar Rd. He attended school in Columbia. It was only about 15 miles to get to school but took a little more than an hour to drive back in the 40"s and 50's. They later moved to Shaw's Flat in the 60's. My mother's side of the family operated a sawmill around White Pines/Arnold. I was born in San Andreas but lived in Angels Camp and then Altaville. I've watched The Shadow Riders several times. Great movie! Love your videos and content! Keep them coming!!

[@tottenhamteacher]

What a great job you’ve done! Good morning from The Last Stop Light on 99.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you kindly! Livingston? Or Keyes?

[@edwardf6229]

Many memories as a child visiting Columbia. Thanks for showing.

[@AB-ye7bw]

Loved every minute of this episode. Perfect mix of humor and history. Thanks for all of the great work.

[@jbenziggy]

Very nice of you! Thank you! Hope you enjoyed it!

[@ScratchGlass9]

Jeff... Marvelous look at such history. We appreciate, so much, the work and backstories ! Bravo 🇺🇲

[@felinemagic4473]

Shadow Riders - best modern times western around. Star packed. I beg you differ on Ben Johnson's appeal. He was a very handsome man and a great actor. Tom is good-looking, but Sam Elliot still makes me go weak in the knees. 😅 Great research in this video presentation. Amazing. This is definitely my favorite history channel.

[@jupite1888]

Nice video and it made me want to watch your old SHANE special video. Excellent

[@jbenziggy]

Glad to hear that!

[@Col-Hogan]

Always great videos. Columbia is one of my favorite fly to destinations. With the airport less than a mile away, it’s an easy walk to town. A real enjoyable spot.

[@Smithsgold]

Shadow Riders such a good movie and even a better book !!!!

[@peanut_trucker]

Great episode! Also a Ben Johnson and Sam Elliot fan. Definitely adding it to my bucket list. I can't believe you weren't an extra in shadow riders. If I was born 100 years earlier I would have been a stagecoach driver. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@oldermusiclover]

loved the books but hated the movie loved Tom and Sam

[@annihilist]

I was wondering when you were going to get around to Columbia. Me and my family used to go there all the time when I was a kid. It was also part of several school outings. My favorite thing was climbing on those big granite boulders and that candy shoppe. My god, the smells coming out of that place.

[@RedProg]

Had Family who lived in Murphys always made sure to stop by Columbia. 👍

[@jimniven1044]

Used to get a balcony room at the city motel for the 4th of July. Great parade and fun activities for the kids.

[@johnygarcia7636]

👍👍👍 GREAT STORY 👍👍👍

[@barbaraadams8143]

When I was in my teens and 20’s I used to go to Columbia often. I loved the place and took my own children there to see it. In the saloon we could buy sass perilla which is like root beer but thicker. You are right about the cemetery being very sobering to read the age’s and epitaphs of the people buried there. The town lost a lot of children. Thanks for filming this this.

[@rhondaz356]

That was so cool. I really enjoyed this. I love the way you incorporated the video and audio clips. I'd love to go visit all this. Thanks so much, Jeff for all of your research, and for taking us along. topnotch, as always 👏🏻🤠☀️🎉

[@KB6YAF]

Jeff…..Thanks again for your time and research on these videos. Your efforts are the BEST, and, when you factor in your actual visits to these locations and meeting the movie stars, it makes your videos better than any others. Say, you might want to do some research on Malakoff Diggins outside of Nevada City, one of the largest hydraulic mining operations. The eerie landscape that it left behind is very unusual. Also, living in Yuba county back in the 1980’s, we used to explore towns and sites east of Marysville such as Smartsville, Timbuctoo, etc. It has been many years since I was there, but I’m sure there are still remnants of the old building of the gold rush era. Oh, and don’t forget the atown that seceded from the union….Rough and Ready! …..All the Best to you and Sarah, and Happy New Year……Russell D.

[@paulbyrne5022]

Huell Howser couldn’t have done better. I spent almost every weekend in Columbia as a kid. Caught Gold Fever there , and am now a Clamper because of it. THE best tour of Hildreths Diggin’s I’ve ever seen . Thank you.

[@madmother58]

Great video

[@DougPoulton]

I was fortunate enough to be in Old Tucson when "The Sacketts" was filming. We walked up after they finished shooting a scene and Gilbert Roland was talking to one of the crew members. I told my wife "look, there's Gilbert Roland" and he heard me, looked over and smiled and waved at us. I think he really enjoyed being recognized by a youngster since he was already in his 70's. At the time I didn't who Tom Selleck or Sam Elliott were but I knew Gilbert Roland from his old swashbuckling days of pirate movies that I grew up with as a kid. We loved going to Old Tucson and walking the streets where so many movies were made. The fire of 1995 was a real heart breaker for movie buffs.

[@cheric3399]

Love all of Louis LaMoure. Have all the books and movies

[@jbenziggy]

I met his daughter at this filling, I forgot to mention that.

[@charlesclayton8534]

Jeff, as always, outstanding video!!! This video was the epitome of what History Hunters is!!! I love the town of Columbia, have spent the night in the Hotel, ate dinner there!!! Watched multiple plays at the Fallon house theatre! I think you took this video to another level! It really felt "special" to me. Maybe because I've been there so many times, yet I learned some things I didn't know, so for that thank you!!!! I want to go back there now, and that's what a great video does, I believe, makes you want to experience it yourself. Jeff your a great history teacher, I appreciate the hours you spend in research! Waiting for the next installment! One of your many fans, Tom in Ceres

[@nospin1394]

A lot of history in our neck of the woods thanks for sharing your memories of Shadow Riders. Ben Johnson, always loved him in John Wayne’s movies. Became starry eyed for Ms. Ross after seeing her in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid as a young boy, enough said.

[@budinfield9746]

I've added many old firearms to my collection for the museum from the little store where the gold panning trough is. Occasionally they would have gold rush Era shotguns and pistols for sale inside the store. Most notibly I have 3 beautiful French pin fire pistols, and a double barrel gaurds shotgun found at the bottom of a local mine in a box. Columbia was a field trip destination for my children growing up with our school district. It was also a fun stop over while on a motorcycle ride along the 49. Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@docdurdin]

Nothing reminds me of my age more than knowing most of the old timers that were my childhood. Our History has become a Disney adventure.

[@jbenziggy]

It's crazy! Even Tom Selleck looks much different and older than the time he was in Columbia in 1981.

[@user-ok2si5rb9n]

I just found one of your stories about president Grant I've been binge watching you and Sarah. I love everything concerning American history. Thank you Lorie Smith

[@DentonPeason]

I lived near Twain-Harte and worked in Sonora from 1969-71. My aunt and uncle lived in Columbia at the time so I spent a fair amount of time there. The state was encouraging people to undertake their business activities in the historic downtown. Melores had a candy store I remember and there was a soda fountain, both on the main street running through town. Further down that street, on the opposite side, was the barber shop. There was a barber there who was of retirement age and apparently didn't need to make a "modern wage" because he would cut my hair for 50 cents (the same price that a haircut cost in the 1850s). My uncle worked for California State Parks and was involved in the 1960 restoration of the Columbia schoolhouse. He told me at the time that they didn't want to use modern window glass in restoration because it would not have the wavy texture that old glass did. They found a wealth of "old glass" at the Folsom State Prison. So they put modern glass in the windows at the prison and took the glass from the prison and installed it in the Columbia Schoolhouse.

[@dano8203]

This video had a lot of time and thought put into it! I really appreciated and enjoyed it. I also stand in front of the grave and think about all the people who stood in that same area and mourned. I like to visit the home and/or business of someone then visit there grave. When you visited the dental museum and drug store it does make you realize how tough things were back then and how lucky we are today. Just visiting an outhouse in winter in the middle of the night or the smell in the hot summer hoping not be attacked by a wild animal such as the rattlesnakes you mentioned you realize how fortunate we are! Thanks for the research and hard work!

[@petemoss1951]

My first school trip in the late 50s. Because we came from a one room school house, we all got excited about the two hole outhouse! ( you didn’t show). Thanks Jeff for another great trip down memory lane!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for sharing!

[@oldermusiclover]

thanks for coming back there lov it there

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

Excellent episode!

[@ralphromeo7066]

As an actor, l absolutely love when an historic building is magnificently transformed into a thriving theater. The "Little House" reference did not go unnoticed either as l harken back to one of your prior videos featuring Michael Landon.

[@danporath536]

They did the exterior train scenes at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park.

[@jimeaton805]

Thank you love these videos

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you like them!

[@randyrussell4641]

Great to know Jeff as always. thank for sharing 👏 👏 ps great movie too 👍🏻 👌

[@frankmarullo228]

This is another awesome video Jeff. When did you film this ? We have plenty snow and 22 degrees below zero Sunday morning ! PS love those westerns I have the DVD. My favorite is the sackets.. thank you for your work Frank in friged Montana.....

[@AT1881Cowboy]

Great episode, Jeff!!! Really enjoyed it as usual. Thank you very much!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks again! I appreciate you coming along!

[@marceyvogt2007]

I haven't been to Columbia in 50 years. I really enjoyed this video. I loved Louis L'Amour and his Sacketts. It's cool to see where some of the Westerns were filmed. Thank you.☮️💖🎶

[@random22026]

Love the autumnal foliage in these episodes, Jeff! Adds an extra layer of nostalgia, that glint of fall gold! 💛💛 4:18 5:03 You can never have too many GRANDS 15:09 17:05 17:29 18:05 18:15 to 18:56 From 16:35 on, and at 31:53 to 32:11 concerning the Fallon family, who have a theater in Columbia named after them: any relation to Jimmy Fallon? The man at 16:40, named JAMES FALLON, rather resembles him! 🤔💭

[@lisacrowell290]

I went to Columbia with my family in 1974 or 75, it was so much fun we went on the stagecoach ride, and got our family picture taken, I still have a ring made out of a horseshoe nail. I went back in 1994 with friends and it was fun but not the same, probably because being a kid it's more exciting we also got our picture taken! Thankyou for your videos, I just finished watching the Jackson one I also have been there in 1988 for my honeymoon we stayed at the imperial hotel

[@jbenziggy]

Nothing is as exciting as an adult versus the time as a kid. LOL. Isn't that sad?

[@allenchalupnik3889]

I grew up in that area from my grandparents to my parents to myself you're bringing back history I love to see I no longer live in that country thank you very much for your time I'd love to see more please do one in Jamestown for that is another town that I grew up in and loved the history thank you very much

[@jbenziggy]

I’m sure eventually I will do one on Jamestown! Thanks!

[@mernarodway7301]

There were some old TV Westerns filmed there as well. One was the colorized Lone Ranger Christmas Story in 1956 or 1957. I recognize a few spots where some scenes were shot. Another good Tom Selleck, Ben Johnson , Sam Elliot & Jeff Osterhage ( sp?) western is The Sacketts. It also starred Glenn Ford. Personally I liked it a little better than The Shadow Riders. There truly are some old westerns whose themes/morals still apply. I watch them on INSP or GRIT. I was just a kid when I saw them the first time so being a Senior now I truly LOVE your vlogs. They take me back to remembering what I was doing then, how I responded to them then & now. This is why History Hunters is a never miss part of my day! There's always something new to be learned & I'm so thankful you have followed your heart by investigating your subjects & presenting facts whether they're good, bad or ugly so viewers can revisit meaningful times in our lives ( even if we didn't know it at the time) 😉and share with others. Thank you Jeff & Sarah for sharing your travels with us! ❤👍

[@bartgoins1782]

Thanks for another great history lesson. I am a huge fan of the Sacket series, and Louis L'Amour in general. I love the fact that if Louis L'Amour put a landmark in one of his stories, you could go there to this day, and it would be there. I can't remember the name of the book, but when I was stationed at Holloman AFB, NM (1980-1983), I read about a lava bed with ice caves in it there in New Mexico. I was driving up to Grants, New Mexico to visit cousins, came across the lava beds, and decided to stop there on my return trip. Yep, the ice caves were there. Again, Jeff, thank you.

[@douglaslaturner9685]

Nice seeing Columbia again. Was touring the Gold rush area 10 years ago went there. You gave some nice history about the town. They had a reenactment of Mark Twain when I was there also. So much history in that area..

[@randomvintagefilm273]

I LOVE Columbia. I have been there so many times. Lots of nice bed and breakfast places!

[@BIGEUSMC]

I remember going there in school growing up also we went to Railtown in Jamestown. When I got out of the Marines in 89 I worked as a guard at Carson hill and Meridian mines. This brings back a lot of memories.

[@marthauriarte4447]

Oh my lol I just can't believe, I've enjoyed all of your episodes on history, I've turned my 96 yr old dad into a couch potato which he lives watching just as much as me, thank you so very much and to your cute wife I love her adventurous spirit, keep them coming 😊😊

[@jbenziggy]

That is awesome! Thanks for being a great fan!

[@jimmineo7517]

I live in Tuolumne City an have gone to Columbia many times.. Great place to go in the summer an just people watch an listen to the street preformers. Thank you for what you do God bless

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much for the wonderful memory … and great comment!

[@sherimiles430]

Thank you once again. This is one of my favorite places in Northern California. I grew up going camping and visiting Columbia every summer. My parents purchased a home just above Columbia, off of Sawmill Rd. They have since pass away, but the memories are sweet of our visiting Columbia.

[@jbenziggy]

Great memories! I still have a brother in law living in Jamestown. I always love visiting the foothills!

[@janellevoigt5481]

Love Louis L" Lamour, read the Shadow riders first and then watched the movie. Thanks for taking us along!

[@UTubeQu1che551]

My first visit to Columbia was 1961. I loved the dirt streets! Paved streets keep your shoes clean but imo ruin the feeling of being in this wonderful historic town. I lived in Sonora and Tuolumne 1990-2006. I sure do miss the drive thru Columbia. Fond memories.

[@jamesbeasworrick1843]

In the late 50's our church group from San Jose stayed there overnight on are way to Dodge ridge. We slept on the floor in our sleeping bags. Great memories. Thank you Jim

[@danielledavison4993]

I've been there several times on school field trips and just as a fun getaway. Such rich history. Thank you for the tour and sharing Columbia's part in old westerns.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kevinduden9222]

I grew up in Modesto and have family roots in Sonora. My mom was raised in Standard. I've been to Columbia numerous times. I've climbed on those rocks, probably ridden on that stagecoach and drank sasparilla in one of those saloons. It's a really cool place. I wish I would have taken a side trip when I was in CA a few months back.

[@RabidSnot]

Awesome Episode Jeffery, lack of Sarah.. me Mither (Mom) lived less than two miles from the town center Columbia,CA until her passing in Mar 2019. We spent numerous days wandering around there and talking about all the great movies filmed there while eating the sweet ice cream from the parlour. You missed one of those scene's in 'Rage at Dawn' where you can clearly see the telephone poles above the buildings there. oops.. I am a lifelong fan of Louis L'Amour and have read every single book of his collection and a dozen or more 2-3 times. I learned a lot about pioneer's and their daily struggles reading about all kinds of money makers and simpleton's, miners and the Gold fields of early Califorino was always my favorite subject. As I was born in Center Calif in the East Bay area known as Walnut Creek, We always called it Central or Center California not North. As North would be N of Golden Gate and more towards Eureka/Yreka area's. I am also a big fan of early western stars of those days including Ben Johnson (a distant relative of me Mither's) Glen Ford, Jimmy Stewart, John 'the Duke' Marion Wayne, Audie Murphy, Tom Selleck, Sam Elliott etc.. and supposedly my Pop(Dad) told me yrs ago while he was going to DVC Concord he dated Katherine Ross a few times while attending said school. I liked her in 'the Graduate'. Cheers on your next adventures and stay safe and keep an eye out for the rattlesnakes...I've seen way too many up there and Knight's Ferry area in the hot summers while swimming in the Stanislas River.. American etc.. Thanks for your keen eye and good stories of those bygone days of the 1850's.

[@aleideannabezoen]

So interesting. Thank you for the history lesson!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andreajohnson1796]

Jeff , Thanks for sharing love antiques and History

[@jbenziggy]

You bet! Thanks for watching and telling us!

[@raysanguinetti7208]

Because of your use of the word “placer”, I learned that this is a actual word and what it means. I have family that live in Placerville for years…. Had no idea?!?! The “brevity” of life. Another perfect word to explain how I feel dealing with my parent in failing health. I wished school teachers could know to show this vid to their classroom prior to field trip. Current, relevant and your narration is wonderful.

[@jbenziggy]

Believe it or not, I’ve heard that some teachers have shown me in class! One being a law enforcement class in junior college (the Ellie Nesler video).

[@haroldnelson3734]

A wonderful off-main-street tour. Thanks for sharing your memories of Columbia. It's one of my favorite places to visit since I was 11 years old and I played on those limestone rocks.

[@garycook2355]

I also have visited Columbia many times over the years. The most enjoyable times were in the 60s and 70s long before it became so crowded. I didn't realize that it's use was so popular with movie makers. I saw High Noon in1953 at the drive in movie in Coalinga, Ca. I was 10 yrs old. 🤠

[@donaldduncan7095]

Much appreciation for keeping the old west alive.🤠 Only the horses are missing.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks! Hi ho Silver, away!

[@larrymiller8210]

Very good! Love the 1800's history. Some times I fill I was born 100 years to late. Harder life for sure. And loved the Shadow Riders, seen many times. Thanks for all your hard work for us to enjoy!

[@nekmewxelagrowing6432]

When i was 4 or five i busted my lip on a stage ride there still have the scar my family has always went here my poppy used to take us kids up here all the time when i was small i used to slip through the bars on some the old buildings and explore find old Square nails and stuff. Loved this place. I remember going into the jail to...

[@JanisLC]

The water blasting they did back then, was definitely destructive at the time , but it sure left an interesting landscape behind .. pretty cool ! What a great little town.. so pretty and historic… liked the museum! Definitely wish the graffiti vandals.. not gonna call them artists .. had some respect for history!! Oh , and yeah.. I met Tom Selleck back in the 80’s.. he had quite the presence to say the least ! Thanks for taking us on a great tour of this city! Loved it 😊👍

[@stevemarquis7781]

I just wanted to thank you for the recent video of the mining town of Columbia, CA. My adoptive parents lived in that area when they were first married during the great depression of the early 1930's. I am not really sure of where exactly they lived as to an address. I am just going by my faulty memories of the stories my dad would relate about working in one of the still running gold mines and moving around in the area of Sonora and Columbia, CA. I do remember visiting that area in the early 50's while traveling the back roads of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Towalame river. It is good to see that area of the country again and remember catching grass hoppers in China Camp area for fishing on the weekends. I also remember how very warm the surrounding areas were in the summer time as well. For me that was another life time ago, thanks again for the many excursions through that area of the country. I had an opportunity to travel to Ukiah area to visit my recently discovered and still living birth mother in September of 2022. I made a brief visit to the Mount Lassen Volcanic park and see first hand the amount of damage the wild fires have caused in recent years. Thanks again for all of your stories, especially the trips to the various cemeteries that reveals so much of history we all seem to forget.

[@tootz1950]

Tuolumne River...Chinese Camp.

[@user-in2ru8cs1g]

Nice to see how Columbia looks today. I used to love to visit when I lived in CA years ago. Love the festive Christmas garlands and pine wreaths with their red ribbons. I miss green California winters. Temps have been well below zero for several days here on the Great Plains. I hope you and Sarah had a great holiday season.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks so much! It's been cold here but not below 32 degrees! That's probably why we live in California! LOL

[@mattn676]

This brings back so many memories. I used to fly to Columbia (O22) on a number of occasions from the Executive Airport (KSAC) and hang out in the old town Columbia. Wonderful video - 2 thumbs up!

[@jbenziggy]

My Dad also flew up there and I remember as a kid one time he said we were flying to Colombia and I thought he meant the nation and I thought that was kind of far. He meant Columbia the town. LOL

[@LizzyTexBorden]

I saw The Shadow Riders when it came out in 82. 10/10 - Saw The Sacketts around 1979... Another fantastic watch.

[@heden1460]

I love learning about historical places. This was an interesting place to learn about.

[@michaelcheli5842]

I'm native Northern Californian, and have been to and walked around Columbia in the 1980's, when the last private house was still occupied by its senior woman owner, and slated to become park property upon her death. Also, I learned from a miner that for as much gold as was pulled out of the mine in town, that the veins of gold were offshoots from the primary vein, which apparently has yet to be located; and that there's still a ton of gold in them there hills. Thank you for the great video. I learned more from your video than from my actual visit; but I was sharing my time with spelunking at Cave City; and so I didn't get as much time in exploring the town as I would have liked. Now you've got me thinking about making a return visit for further exploration. 🙂

[@terryeustice5399]

Jeff, loved The Movie Shadow Riders. When was the fire 1854 or 1857 ? Lots of History in the old Boom Gold Town. The number of movies shot there is amazing.Thanks for the tour of Columbia, CA.

[@jbenziggy]

There was more than on fire that swept through town! Those are two years it was devastating.

[@karlheeren8727]

I've been visiting Columbia ever since I was a little boy. I also brought my children there many times as I got older. Love the place. Last I saw the old cistern holes had been paved over. I was told by someone that they abandoned the system as it was in disrepair. I too have pictures of the old dentist's office and the pharmacy.

[@jbenziggy]

The cistern holes are still in the street! Check for them next time you visit! Thanks for the comment!

[@jamesf4405]

You got the right autograph. Ben Johnson was the only one on that set that knew the front end of a horse from the rear. He was a champion rodeo cowboy before John Ford discovered him and made him famous.

[@mov1ngforward]

Another great episode. I love Columbia...we went with our parents as kids, a school field trip in 4th grade and about 20 years ago. I always enjoyed sarsaparilla. You find the best stuff...trivia, camera angles from old movies and your interactions with the stars.

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate the positive review! I think fourth grade is the grade all the kids in our area get to make a trip up there! It’s a special place for many folks!

[@rickstevens1479]

Those green metal doors reminded me of old Shasta .. another old mine town further north of Columbia... love local history ...great job..

[@californiahiker9616]

Thank you Jeff and Sarah! I’ve been to Columbia dozens of times. My Merced friends and I would drive up for lunch at Columbia Kate’s, then do a little shopping and sightseeing afterward. I often would take my German visitors to Columbia, a very popular destination! They particularly liked the stage coach ride and gold panning! I am now living in Washington State and have a new back yard to explore. I have yet to find a Jeff and Sarah here though … if they exist they’re hiding from me! Great episode! I’m always impressed by the amount of knowledge you possess on local -and sometimes not so local- history. There’s so much research involved! You’re like a walking history encyclopedia!

[@jbenziggy]

Stop, you’ll make my head swell to huge proportions. Lol. Honestly, thanks very much!

[@UsualmikeTelevision]

Fantastic place and fantastic video. Thank you Geoff!!!

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

Love getting my weekly fix of HH!!! Columbia is a gr8 place to visit! Can almost hear the old timers in the wind up there! Thanks Jeff for another GR8 vid! ~Chris

[@jbenziggy]

Love the comment, my friend! Thanks so much!

[@carolynpurser7469]

Love seeing these old western towns.

[@ThomasThomas-wn3km]

Thank you, Jeff. I very much enjoyed this video. I love to investigate historical towns. Great job. Keep up the good work.

[@Lando62]

I worked in the area in the late 70s and early 80s including I some of the buildings on the main st. . Slim Pickens lived nearby and was often the center of attention in the St Charles Saloon telling stories. He was really good at it even if you didn’t know who I was.

[@angelsutton416]

I always enjoy your videos Jeff ! They're full of GREAT information and fun to watch . Also - I love that your from the Central valley of California , I too was born(fresno) & raised(bakersfield) in the Central Valley , but now I live in eastern Oregon . God Bless Y'all !!!

[@tomstephens2689]

As always, you provide great historic local content. Thank you.

[@jbenziggy]

Many thanks!

[@bethloguekellerwilliamsrea1529]

Louis L’Amour so many great memories of his books and movies ❤ First western book I ever read my dad insisted I read it, “Reilly’s Luck” loved that book. He read it to my son too. The Bible and Louis L’Amour books were front and center in my Grandparents home. ❤

[@bethloguekellerwilliamsrea1529]

His Biography “Education of a Wandering Man” so so good. He was a true “History Hunter”