What is the history of Johannesburg, California?
Johannesburg was founded to support mining operation at Randsburg. In addition to providing rail access, the region’s first wells were operated by companies located in Johannesburg. During the first half of the 20th Century, the Rand Mining District was the principle gold producing region of California. Activity centered around the Yellow Aster Mine, discovered in 1894. In 1919, the Rand Silver Mine was discovered east of town on Red Mountain. The Rand Mine produced more silver than any mine in California. Johannesburg was named by miners who had previously worked in the gold-producing region of South Africa. Containing the city of Johannesburg, South Africa, this region is in the Witwatersrand Mountains, and is frequently referred to as “the Rand.” Source: http://en.wikipedia.
