During the Gold Rush many tent cities of miners were built next to the gold diggings. Places with colorful names like Rough and Ready, Hangtown, and Fiddletown. Many of them disappeared once the gold ran out and the miners followed the next strike. But some like Auburn remained and prospered.
Auburn grew and prospered because of its position at the crossroads of the mining trails and the old wagon trails headed to San Francisco. The mining trails brought the gold to Auburn to be transferred to the banks of San Francisco and on the return trip supplies came up to be sent back up the mining trails to supply the miners. This made Auburn a natural hub for commerce in the region.
Auburn is still located at that critical crossroads of commerce only now it is the intersection of Interstate 80 and the railroad sending goods by truck and train east and west and distributing them up and down the old mining trail which is now Highway 49.
But Auburn also has its eyes n the future by ensuring the conditions are ripe to attract new businesses. The Airport Industrial Park has all the amenities for 21st century companies and the Chamber is an active participant in the business development process.
Auburn also has an educated workforce, affordable housing, a broad range of retail shopping and an excellent quality of life. All the key elements for a successful business venture.
Business in the Old West was built on trust where the two parties agreed to terms and sealed the deal with a simple handshake. In those days, many great fortunes as well as friendships were consummated with that simple gesture.
Auburn is still a “handshake town”. So come and build your business here in the foothills of the Sierras. And let’s shake on it.