The gold rush to Columbia, California began March 27, 1850 by a group of prospectors. Columbia State Historic Park is the best preserved of California gold rush towns. Our friend Don's Grandmother and Mother ran the Fallon Hotel in the town. The day we were there, there was a large group of school children enjoying the town. You could also pan for gold there but could not tour the mine since the price of gold has gone up they are back mining it.