The only mining town to "secede" from the Union and the Territory of California then to vote itself back in is the town of Rough And Ready. Populated mostly by miners from the state of Wisconsin hoping to rid themselves of any and all outside laws and other restrictions, it was decided in a town meeting in 1850 to take the drastic step of secession. All this came to an abrupt halt when, preparing for a fourth of July celebration, it was realized the independent country of Rough And Ready, no longer a part of the United States, had no reason to celebrate. Something had to be done even if it meant restoring the new Republic to the United States. This was done by popular vote followed by the most riotous Fourth celebration ever held anywhere. Little is left of the town today but it is easily accessible on highway 20, west of the Grass Valley junction at highway 49. Submitted by Henry Chenowith. West of Grass Valley on Highway 20 is the once thriving gold town that bears the nickname of General Zachary Taylor. An officer who had served under Taylor in the Mexican War headed the founding group that arrived in 1849. Since old “Rough and Ready” had recently been inaugurated President of the United States, it was natural to christen the new town after him. Among the oldest buildings is the blacksmith shop (1850s), the Odd Fellows Hall (1854), and to the east of town the Old Toll House which exacted such fees as 25 cents for a house and rider and $3.00 for a flock of geese.



Rough and Ready

Courtesy Dolores Steele

Ruins of Fippin Blacksmith Shop

Courtesy Dolores Steele

Rough and Ready

Courtesy Dolores Steele

Church

Courtesy Dolores Steele

Cemetery

Courtesy Dolores Steele