The Board of Supervisors has designated two new historical landmarks - Kneebone Ranch and Cemetery and 505 Factory Street. Both landmarks will be featured in the commission’s Interactive map and in the next edition of its book “Exploring Nevada County,” a guide to all the County’s historical landmarks.   

Kneebone Ranch and Cemetery

On June 3, 2025, the Board of Supervisors designated the Kneebone Ranch and Cemetery, as Nevada County’s newest Landmark, NEV 25-06.

The site is located in the Spenceville Wildlife Area and is owned by the State of California’s Fish and Wildlife Department.  This landmark will commemorate the Kneebone Family, County pioneers. Joseph Kneebone Sr. came to California from Cornwall, England in 1867 and acquired a 1,595 acre ranch near the historic town of Spenceville.  He started a successful teaming business.  Together with his sons Andrew and Joseph, they drove 20 mule team wagons, from the 1860s to the 1890s, from Wheatland to Virginia City, following the old Henness Pass Road.  Their work contributed significantly to the development of the Northern Mines and to the growth of commerce and agriculture. 

On the hill overlooking the Kneebone Ranch are buried five of the original Kneebone family members:  Joseph Kneebone Sr., wife Mary Martin Kneebone, Joseph Kneebone Jr., Richard Kneebone and Mary Kneebone. During World War II, the United States acquired the Kneebone Ranch and much of the area around Spenceville for a military training area which became Beale Air Force Base. The military poured concrete over the cemetery. The Kneebone family descendants hope to clean up the area and erect appropriate plaques.

The applicant, Karen Hill on behalf of the Kneebone family descendants, flew here from  her home in Atlanta to thank the Board for awarding the landmark designation. The three-and-a-half effort to obtain this designation was spearheaded by the persistence and dedication of Commissioner Chuck Scimeca. Finally, the Landmarks Commission wishes to thank Mark Carroll, manager of the Spenceville Wildlife Area, for his ongoing support.

505 Factory Street

On May 27, 2025, The Board of Supervisors designated the Nevada City Substation, at 505 Factory Street (pictured here), as Nevada County Historical Landmark NEV 25-05.

The Rome Power House was the first hydroelectric generating plant built on the South Yuba River and served mines in the area. This led to the electrification of Nevada City, and helped give birth to California’s hydroelectric power industry.   Its founders merged their California Gas and Electric Co. with the San Francisco Gas and Electric Co. to create the Pacific Gas and Electric Co in 1905.

The Rome Power House began operating in 1896 and generated power at 5500 volts.   Shortly thereafter the Substation was constructed.   The power from the Power House was transmitted across an 8 mile long pole line to the Substation, where it was “stepped down” or reduced to 1000 volts for distribution to Nevada City homes and businesses.  The Substation was an essential part of the infrastructure which brought electricity to the area.

The Substation passed into private use about 50 years ago and is presently undergoing a major renovation under the careful direction of owner Gaby Brink, who is to be commended for her commitment to preserving the historic structure.

The book “Exploring Nevada County,” a guide to all the County’s historical landmarks,” is available in electronic format for any smartphone or tablet from Apple or Amazon.    Go to You Bet Press to find clickable links.

The purpose of the Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission is to promote the general welfare of Nevada County and its citizens through official recognition, recording, marking, preserving and promoting the historical resources of Nevada County.    For more information, call 530-264-0115.