Nevada City

Nevada Theatre

The Nevada Theatre was built in 1865, making it California’s oldest existing structure erected as a theatre, as which it still serves. The Nevada Theatre Association bought the lot and the remains of the three-story brick Bailey House in late 1864, in order to build a fine theatre. Stock sold at $100 a share, with more than half the money needed being raised in just one afternoon. Things slowed down after that, but the funds kept coming in. A ball was held in June of 1865 which raised the rest of the money needed to finish the theatre, which opened on September 11 of 1865. The stage has held the likes of Mark Twain and Ema Nevada, and has hosted school plays, musical recitals, and various rallies throughout its history.