Ophir, ghost town in Placer County, California
Ophir is a former mining settlement in Placer County, California, founded during the gold rush era. Today only a few structures remain, including a fire station, school, two businesses, and a small cemetery, with around 700 people living in the area.
Ophir was founded in 1849 as The Spanish Corral and renamed in 1850 after the biblical gold region. A major fire in 1853 destroyed most of the town, after which residents did not fully rebuild and the focus gradually shifted to quartz mining.
The name Ophir references a biblical land famed for gold, which attracted educated settlers familiar with ancient stories. This choice reflects how deeply gold shaped the community's identity and aspirations.
The site is easily reached from nearby Auburn and sits among gentle hills in Placer County. Visitors should expect limited facilities on site, with most shops and services located in surrounding towns.
A brass landmark marker documenting Ophir's history was stolen in 2012, but authorities recovered parts of it and replaced the commemorative plaque in 2014. This recent event shows how the town's story continues to matter to those who preserve it.
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