This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.california.counties.sierra/338.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I was in Downieville during summer of 2005. Wonderful little town. I saw two hotels, there may be one other. They are all small. On main street there is one just east of the Hwy 49 (Commerce St) bridge. Highway 49 enters town on the west side as "Main" street. But when the highway turns south and crosses the river, the highway becomes "Commerce" street. Main street continues east as it heads along side of the river. The hotel on Main street was larger and has a restarant / bar on the first floor. The hotel on the south side of the river bridge is less developed. It might not have been a hotel in 1885. I am not a historian of this area, but thought that this might help you sort out your answer.