Birchville

For many years, Birchville was a major center of hydraulic mining on the San Juan Ridge. David Johnson, a prospector, first arrived here in 1851, and the town became known as Johnson’s Diggins. The town grew rapidly and in 1853 was renamed Birchville in honor of Lumon Birch Adsit, a local store owner. In 1865, the San Juan and Bridgeport Union Guard, under the command of Captain Francis Coffey, built its armory on the hill above this site. In 1869, the armory became St. Columcille’s Catholic Church and served as a place of worship until 1955. In 1969, the building was purchased by Babe Pingalia, known affectionately as Mr. San Juan, and donated to the State of California. It was dismantled in 1971 and moved to Malakoff State Historic Park, some 15 miles further up the ridge, where it stands as a testament to the colorful history of the San Juan Ridge.

California · United States