Lawson

The Red Elephant Mines, which were discovered in 1876, lead to the beginnings of the town which was founded by John Coburn, also credited with founding Downieville.  Mr. Coburn originally called the town Free America.  John came to the area from the East, settled in the area, and designed the town as a place where families could be comfortable raising children. Although an Irishman, Mr. Coburn abstained from the use of alcohol and wanted to create a community which would be alcohol free.   When the railroad came through the area and the site for the depot was selected, it just happened to be the upper portion of Free America and was owned by John Coburn’s least favorite son-in-law, Alex Lawson.  Free America became known as Lawson.

In 1893, Lawson had almost 300 registered voters. But when the bottom fell out of the silver market, there was little or no work and the population fell. Few businesses survived.  The Lawson school consolidated with the county in 1959.  The construction of I-70 in the 1960’s gobbled up much of the north side of Lawson. The oldest and longest surviving business, the W.E. Anderson General Store closed its doors in the mid-1960’s.

New homes have sprung up, creating a pleasant place to raise children.  In 2010, the Lawson Water Park opened their doors, adding to the tourist attractions in the area.