The Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission is pleased to announce that the Indian Springs School was designated as Nevada County Historical Landmark NEV 25-03 on April 8, 2025 by the County Board of Supervisors. The school is located near the corner of Indian Springs and Spenceville Roads, across from the historic Indian Springs Cemetery. It is one of the earliest one-room schoolhouses still in existence in Nevada County
In 1856 Henry Hatch, a pioneer from Vermont, built and ran a private school at the site, known as Penn Valley High School. Mr. Hatch also built a hotel near the school, part of which was used as a boarding house for students. The Indian Springs School became public in March 1868 when Mr. Hatch sold the building and property to the newly created Indian Springs School District.
The Indian Springs School operated for nearly 100 years until 1954 when it was declared by the State of California “unsafe for occupancy” for school children. Lowell Robinson purchased the schoolhouse in 1954 and operated it as a community meeting place, renamed the Penn Valley Community Hall. It remains in the Robinson family.
This plaque will be featured in the Commission’s interactive map and in the next edition of its book Exploring Nevada County, a guide to all the County's historical landmarks. The book is available in electronic format for any smartphone or tablet from Apple or Amazon. Go to You Bet Press to find clickable links. The paperback edition is available at local bookstores, SPD and museum gift shops.
The purpose of the Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission is to promote the general welfare of Nevada County and its citizens through official recognition, recording, marking, preserving and promoting the historical resources of Nevada County. For more information, please call 530-264-0115.