FindandGoSeek

Columbia State Historic Park — once a bustling, brawling gold rush town — is an authentic, living mid-nineteenth century history lesson for visitors.

Back to School 1861 celebrates the privilege that education was in a time when most people couldn't afford to have their children away from the daily responsibilities of a homestead.  Start at the Columbia Schoolhouse (north of Pacific Street on School House Street), celebrating it's 151st anniversary in 2012.  Park docents play the role of school teacher, who share how strict the rules and the punishments were in the 1800s while visitors sit in vintage school desks.  Learn about the lessons taught — history, science, ciphering — and the supplies used — slates, not paper!

Enjoy the rest of the day in the park, wandering the streets.  Maybe after school, visitors might head to the Candy Kitchen for a penny candy, just like a student in 1861 would.