The South Yuba Canal Office was the headquarters for the largest network of water flumes and ditches in California.

A two-story brick structure,[3] it was fitted with iron doors and shutters, plus a filigree balcony railing.

In 1882, the company built a dam at Lake Fordyce to trap snowmelt and runoff for release in the dry season.

[10] The South Yuba Canal System is used for delivering domestic and agricultural water to Nevada City and its neighbor Grass Valley.

832..Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission and the California Heritage Council, May 16, 1970.