Drytown, California, Amador County is an enthralling ghost town with a rich history that echoes the bustling days of the California Gold Rush. Once a thriving community, Drytown now stands as a reminder of the past, inviting exploration and reflection. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Amador County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 38.4433° N, 120.8586° W
Elevation: Approximately 728 feet (222 meters)
Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (PT)
Established: 1848
Disestablished: Not available
Comments: Drytown is reputed to be the oldest settled town in Amador County, established in 1848 during the height of the Gold Rush. Its name is derived from the fact that it often ran out of drinking water, not alcohol, as some might assume.
At its peak, the town boasted numerous saloons, hotels, and businesses catering to miners and travelers. Drytown (formerly, Dry Town) is a census-designated place in Amador County, California Ghost Townlifornia. It is located 2.5 miles (4.0 km) south of Plymouth on Dry Creek, at an elevation of 646 ft (197 m). The population at the 2010 census was 167. The town is registered as a California Historical Landmark.
The community is in ZIP code 95699 and area code 209. Today Drytown is home to a population of fewer than 200 people and about 5 antique stores. But once before it was a well-known hotspot thanks to the gold mines with a population of 10,000 people.
Remains: Today, Drytown has several historic structures that have withstood the test of time, including the Drytown Club, a bar that continues to operate, and remnants of old brick buildings hinting at the town’s vibrant past.
Drytown is the oldest community in Amador County and the first in which gold was discovered. It took its name from Dry Creek, which runs dry during the summer. However, it was certainly not “dry”, as stories tell of there being up to 26 saloons, of which just one remains, The Drytown Club.
Current Status: Drytown is considered a semi-ghost town. While it maintains a small residential population, it retains the charm and historic feel of a ghost town, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts.
In the early 1960s, the Claypipers purchased a “fire engine” for Drytown — a well used but serviceable Red Ford 1-Ton pickup truck with built-in 400-gallon water tank and pump — and constructed a “fire station” (garage) building to house it on the west side of the ‘T’ intersection of Spanish St and New Chicago Road.
In 1963, the 3 man volunteer Drytown Fire Department, under then-Fire Chief (and San Francisco peninsula transplant) Bob Brown, was called out three times and saved two of the three homes involved. The third was fully engulfed in flames before the call came in, but they were able to prevent the adjacent propane tank from erupting as well as the spread of the fire to the very dry surrounding grassy fields.
In January 2010, the “fire engine” was nowhere to be found, and the “fire Station’ building had been fitted with man-doors and had a ‘For Rent’ sign on it.
Remarks: Although much smaller than during its gold mining heyday, Drytown offers a glimpse into California’s rich history. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk through the town, exploring its historical landmarks and appreciating the scenic beauty of the surrounding area.
The gold started to peter out by 1857 and when a fire destroyed most of the town that year, most of its inhabitants packed up and moved to more successful mines elsewhere in the county. The town was only saved by the construction of State Route 49, which went through it, in 1920. See the Drytown, California Ghost Town website for additional history and current information.
