Auburn is the quintessential California city. Its history reflects the history of the state itself from its early beginnings as a Native American village of the Nisenan band of the Maidu tribe to the tent city of miners camped along Auburn Ravine during the Gold Rush of 1849 and from its role in building the Transcontinental Railroad to the vibrant city that offers its residents all the modern conveniences of 21st century America while jealously guarding its small town reputation.

While the Gold Rush brought many to the area in search of instant wealth and untold riches, others came with the dream of building a more permanent community that would eventually become the Gateway to the Sierra and the economic and cultural hub of a fast growing region. It was those early entrepreneurs who built businesses and participated in the civic life of Auburn always with the idea of making the city a better place to live and work.

In 1906 those visionaries established the Auburn Chamber of Commerce to, in the words of their charter, “have a central body, always organized and always ready to take up any proposition for the public good.” With those simple but direct words to guide them they set about their task. From 1906 through the 1940s the main job was taking a small mining and railroad town and transforming it into a modern city. Basic infrastructure was needed so the Chamber supported the building of permanent streets, helped pass bonds for sewers, formed committees to assist the city government in building a City Hall and firehouse, and helped the city raise funds for the present day Auburn Municipal Airport.

But building the infrastructure needs for a growing city only tells part of the story because a city is more than just roads and buildings. A city is most importantly its people. And the one question that people ask themselves when they chose a place to settle down is, “What is the quality of life there?”

In Auburn’s case the answer is self evident from the moment you set foot on her historic streets, shop in her many retail venues, buy a home in one of her quaint home communities, visit her art and antique galleries, eat in her various restaurants with food for all tastes, or experience the many natural wonders of the area.

Whether you can trace your roots back to the Gold Rush or you just moved here last week from the Bay Area or beyond, Auburn will instantly feel like your hometown.

With respect for the past and with a keen eye focused on the future, the Auburn Chamber of Commerce will continue to do its part in making Auburn the place whose citizens will be proud to say, “I’m from Auburn, California!”