Public transportation in Nevada County shares a colorful history with the rough and tumble, easy come-easy go lifestyle of the California Gold Rush days.

Stagecoach lines dominated in the early days of the Gold Rush carrying mail, supplies and would-be miners from all points beyond to the rich gold fields in Nevada County. Excitement was always just around the corner with the prospect of getting stuck during the winter months or worse yet, being robbed by the infamous highwaymen of the day.

With prosperous gold mines needing a more dependable mode of transportation for gold shipments and mining materials especially during the winter months, came the Iron Horse of Nevada County. Completed in 1876, the Nevada County Narrow Guage Railroad (NCNGRR) or, as the locals called her, the old "Never Come, Never Go" could be heard reverberating through the scenic canyons from the Southern Pacific interchange in Colfax down through Nevada City and Grass Valley carrying people, mail, merchandise, mining equipment and gold.

Days of glory for both the stage lines and the railroad were numbered as the gas powered buggy began gaining in popularity. And so it came in Nevada County that on May 23, 1916, the last stage made its run from the National Hotel in Nevada City to Washington, North San Juan, Malakoff Mine and Alleghany, only to be replaced with its new gas-powered rival the following day.

Today, the Gold Country Stage not only carries visitors from all points beyond to once again visit the exciting historical Gold Rush sites throughout the County, but it provides an important transportation link to the residents and visitors of Nevada County.