Rough & Ready, California

Rough & Ready, California is a small community of about 1,500 people just west of Grass Valley.  The town was first settled by the Rough & Ready Mining Company in 1849 and was named after General Zachary Taylor who was nicknamed "Old Rough and Ready" and had just been elected President of the United States.

Rich in history, the town prides itself as the only town in the US to have secede from the Union.  A rough and tumble mining town, the townfolks voted on April 7, 1850 to secede in order to avoid the Mining Tax the government was imposing on all claims.  The worlds smallest nation, the Great Republic of Rough and Ready was short lived.  By the time July 4 rolled around, patriotic fervor had rebuilt and the town voted to rejoin the Union and raised Old Glory once again.

Each year on the last Sunday of June, the citizens of Rough & Ready celebrate "Secession Days" with a parade, street fair, and the live performance of "Saga of Rough and Ready" in the center of town.

Looking for a new home, equestrian ranch, vineyard or agricultural property in Rough & Ready?  Check our Rough & Ready MLS and call us today!