Calaveras County Museum and Historical Society - San Andreas, California

V K.

The gem of the Calaveras County Museum is the exhibit of the only standing China House from the Gold Rush era, which was used first as a County Courthouse at Double Springs, then a post office. The County ordered 3 China Houses from Canton, China, during the Gold Rush; each house was prefab and shipped in over 400 pieces to be assembled largely with interlocking pieces without nails; only the roofing required nails.

This exhibit is on the second floor of the Museum. Unfortunately the elevator was broken and the China House wasn't handicapped accessible.

Lily

Very informative! There's a lot of neat things to see such as the jail and the court room and all of the items displayed. They have a lot of old pictures that are interesting to look at as well! The gift shop isn't too pricey and have some neat books about the area. It's a self guided tour and the museum is actually bigger than it looks from the street! Entry was only $6 for two adults.

Denise W.

It's an amazing museum,! We took our grandson and he says he had a great time, as did we all. So much to see & learn , the receptionist was delightful !! It's truly a pleasure to visit. I encourage others to visit. Also they give a out free pass to the red Barn museum, so you can visit 2 in one day. It cost us 6$ to visit two museums. It was a great way to have fun and stay out of the rain .

Renee W.

What a fantastic look at the history of Calaveras County! It's a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours checking out the courthouse, jail, and all the exhibits. Admission is just $3 (and they'll give you a free pass to the Red Barn Museum right up the street) and less for seniors and children. Make plans to visit soon!

Keely M.

Visited a few months ago and had an amazing time. The gal working the desk at the front was extremely helpful and kind! There was hardly anyone visiting while we were there so the building was pretty quiet. Learned so much interesting info and saw some stunning pieces. If you're in the area this is a must stop! Highly recommend.

J.D. P.

Tucked away in San Andreas, CA is this gem of a museum. At the time, admission was $5 but there's nothing stopping you from just donating to them more. While I knew of some of the gold rush and ranching history of the area, this museum takes steps to tell the narratives from the people who lived here before the gold rush, during mining activities, and into the present of today. Some other interesting things to note are of bandits and law enforcement, the last hanging before San Quentin opened, and the history of Sherrifs. The cells and prison yard are particularly of note. Limited research is also available on subjects, and I am grateful and thankful for the resources at their disposal for my inquiry.

Mark A.

Great Motherlode history. From MiWok artifacts & stories to blood splattered legal books & the prison which held the notorious Black Bart .... this gem of a museum has it all!

Nwa F.

Be sure to call ahead to assure they are open to the public. Didn’t open today until 1130 due to school group on private tour. Nothing on their website about this. Went to Angel Camp museum as an alternative which was outstanding.