STATE OF CALIFORNIA DIVISION OF BEACHES AND PARKS Columbia HISTORIC STATE PARK General view of Columbia, the "Gem of the Southern Mines," as it appeared in January, 1852. From a lithograph published in that year. Columbia, the "Gem of the Southern Mines," is the best preserved of the early mining towns of California's Mother Lode. It is being restored by the State of California and its story will serve as a reminder of the efforts and achievements of our pioneers following the gold rush to California. The Founding of Columbia Columbia owes its origin to the rich placer deposits discovered in this area beginning in March, 1850. Following the initial discovery of gold here by the Hildreth party, over a thousand prospectors were attracted to the scene, but the dry summers of 1850