National Register of Historic Places #73000397

California State Historical Landmark #272

Th oldest schoolhouse in Calaveras County, the Douglas Flat School was built in 1854 by the miners who called Douglas Flat home, the 20’ x 24’ structure resulted as the need for a meeting hall and a church became evident. As families began moving into the area around 1856, the need for a school building became apparent. It was at this time that the land the structure had been built on abundant gold deposits and it was determined that it would be profitable if the building was relocated to ta new location. An appropriately-determined site was located approximately one-quarter of a mile away and the building was moved to a new 3-acre site to be used not only as a school, but also a church, community center and a cemetery, and classes began that year. Shortly after the school year began, an addition was constructed adding 16 feet to the length of the building.

Due to a lack of students, the school was closed in 1956. When in became known that there was need for an additional classroom, district residents came together and did small repairs, repainted the interior and exterior, replaced the electrical system and repaired the existing heating system and the school re-opened briefly in 1971 to be used for a kindergarten classroom.

Today, the building still serves as a public meeting place. The Douglas Flat Community Center is open to everyone in Calaveras County and is still maintained by volunteers.