In the beautiful Sierra Nevada Foothills, in the heart of California ’s “Gold Country” lies Sonora , named after the miners from Sonora Mexico who settled the City in 1848. Known as the “Queen of the Southern Mines”, this pristine City still holds on to its historic charm with many of its existing buildings dating back to the 1800’s. In fact, a walk along most streets in the City allows one to reminisce with days gone by; a brick or stone building, a slate wall, an iron shutter or fence, or a historic home nestled in an old fashioned garden.

Incorporated in 1851, this hastily established mining camp took on the identity of a town and while gold mining was the driving force of the City it quickly evolved into the commercial, government and cultural center for the region. The prosperity of California ’s “Mother Lode” that drew the gold seekers of yesteryear to this beautiful area is still being discovered today as Sonora remains the center of commerce for the region.

As the area’s cultural center, Sonora is home to museums, art galleries and live theatre. The City also plays host to numerous festivals and special events throughout the year. Just outside the City limits are year-round outdoor recreational opportunities at resorts, campgrounds, lakes, golf courses and high country waterways. Sonora is an easy drive from the San Francisco Bay Area or the Central Valley . State Highways 108 and 49 pass through the City, which, incidentally, is just seventy miles north of Yosemite National Park . 

With its rich heritage, historic charm and small town hospitality, visitors and locals alike enjoy a relaxing stroll along the City’s historic main street while shopping in the many specialty and antique shops, taking time out to have a delectable meal in one of its many fine restaurants, bakeries and coffee houses. On behalf of the City of Sonora we would like to thank you for your interest in our community and invite you to spend the day in Sonora, a place that satisfied visitors say is one of California’s greatest destinations.

History

Sonora, one of the oldest cities in California, was incorporated on May 1, 1851.  Only ten cities have been incorporated longer.  Sonora was historically referred to as the ‘Queen of the Southern Mines.’

Like so many Gold Rush towns, Sonora had a wild reputation in its early days.  According to Frank Marryat, who wrote about his 1851 experiences in Sonora, “No church bells here usher in the Sabbath . . . every man carries arms, generally a Colt revolver, buckled behind, with no attempt at concealment.”  While not totally accurate as to the lack of church bells, since the Catholic Padre Arnault was here in the fall of 1849 to establish St. Patrick’s, it does give one a feeling that Sonora was a pretty wild place.

Sonora’s prosperity during the late 1800s and early 1900s is evidenced by many of the historic homes and buildings we treasure today.  Residences such as those of Nicol, Curtin, Steinmetz, Symons, Rosasco  and Street-Morgan, as well as public and commercial buildings such as the Sonora Dome, Sonora High School, Tuolumne County Courthouse, Opera Hall and the Bradford Building all give testimony to the faith our ancestors had in the future of Sonora.

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.  The restoration of the Sonora Opera Hall was a component of this revitalization effort.  Elements of the “Main Street” program are now carried on by the Sonora Redevelopment Agency. 

Sonora can look with great pride to its transformation from a country town to a small, vital city that provides a way of life enjoyed by few other communities, it is still the “Queen of the Southern Mines.”

The City of Sonora is located in Central California on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.  The City of Sonora serves as the County Seat forTuolumne County .

Major State Highways:

Highway 49 travels through the Historic District of the City of Sonora and is known as the “Golden Chain" because it connects the historic communities of the California “Gold Rush” and is a favorite of visitors to the area.  It also serves as the link from the Sacramento Region to the City. State Highway 120 links Sonora to the San Francisco Bay Area and State Highway 108 connects the community to the Central California Valley .  To access Sonora from the Southern California Region the recommended route is State Highway 99 to J59.

Air Service:

Sonora is within easy driving distance to four major airports:

Sacramento International (117 miles)
Oakland International (120 miles)
San Jose International (126 miles)
San Francisco International (133 miles)
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (116 miles)

Weather:

The sun shines on the City of Sonora an average of 328 days per year.  Average annual rainfall for the City is 33 inches, January traditionally is the wettest month.  The average high for the City is 70ºF with July and August being the hottest months.  The average low for the City is 42ºF with December and January being the coldest months. 

Geographic Information:

Area:               3 Square Miles
Elevation:         1825 Feet
County:            Tuolumne County
County Seat:     Sonora
State:               California

Population:
Sonora *: 4,610
Tuolumne County : 58,504

Sonora “Queen of the Southern Mines”

Settled in 1848, this “Gold Rush” community still holds onto its historic Charm.  With the areas largest Historic Downtown District, shopping is an enjoyable experience of strolling through unique and charming shops and restaurants nestled into buildings of the 1800’s. Visitors are sure to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir to remember your stay here.

Along with historic buildings the City is home to three museums. These museums give visitors an insight into the way of life in California ’s mining towns.  The California State Park ’s of

Columbia and Railtown 1897, just a short drive from Sonora, are also a must see to get the full “Mother Lode” experience. 

The Historic Downtown is also home to the Central Sierra Arts Council and several art studios featuring the brilliant work of local artists.  Being known as the regional center for arts and entertainment visitors can enjoy live theater and year-round events and festivals. 

Every season brings a natural beauty to Sonora.  To enjoy this natural beauty, hike the newly developed Dragoon Gulch Trail. The Trail is an easy walk from City lodging and will allow visitors to experience the beautiful oak woodlands surrounding the City.  Visitors can also partake in the numerous winter and summer outdoor activities located just outside the City and in the nearby Stanislaus National Forest.  These include skiing, hiking, boating, swimming and horseback riding.

Beautifully located on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains there is something for everyone in Sonora making it the perfect destination for your next weekend get-away or family vacation.   

Learn more about this city

City of SONORA, CA official site

City of SONORA, CA chamber of commerce

City of SONORA, CA yellow pages

City of SONORA, CA newspaper

County of TUOLUMNE, CA official site

State of California official site