William Downie, a native of Scotland, arrived in San Francisco on July 5, 1849, then moved up the Yuba to The Forks, arriving in November of 1849. On this site he built the first structure in Downieville and took residence on December 10, 1849. It was rumored that he offered a cup full of gold if The Forks, as it was then known, would be named Downieville, though it is not certain that the price was actually paid. Downie became one of the most famous gold seekers and is considered the founder of Downieville.