About Tuolumne County
Located in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Foothills, renowned for their breathtaking vistas, majestic peaks, and adventure opportunities. Sonora something to offer to anyone from museums, art galleries, live theatre, campgrounds, lakes, golf courses, high country waterways hunting, skiing, hiking, and camping. Please check the links below for more information on Tuolumne county.
Some interesting facts about Tuolumne County
- More than 300 films have been shot since 1919.
- One of the oldest cities in California, was incorporated on May 1, 1851. Only ten cities have been incorporated longer.
- In 1986, Sonora was chosen as one of the first “Main Street” cities in the State of California.
- Working with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the California Main Street program the City Council committed over a quarter of a million dollars in an effort to revitalize the city’s historic downtown.
- Many of the City’s early inhabitants were from Germany, France, England, Ireland and Italy, as well as those from Mexico and South America. Imagine walking the City’s streets and hearing the numerous languages being spoken.
- On May 1, 1851, Sonora was incorporated as a city and Mayor Charles F. Dodge presided over the first town meeting on May 26th.
- During the 1860s and 1870s Sonora had its own Chinatown with about 400 Chinese residents.
Because Sonora’s downtown has changed very little from its beginnings, including its narrow streets and many historic buildings, it draws people from all over the world who want to experience the ambiance and charm associated with an earlier day. Today the City maintains its historic charm. Many of its existing buildings including the Sonora Opera Hall, Tuolumne County Museum (originally a jail), and the Tuolumne County Courthouse date back to the 1800s.