National Register Listing

Dunsmuir Historic Commercial District

Roughly bounded by Sacramento and Shasta Aves., Spruce and Cedar Sts. (both sides), Dunsmuir, CA
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Transportation; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

commerce transportation politics government architecture
The first female mayor in the U.S. was elected in California in 1887. Susanna M. Salter was elected mayor of Argonia, Kansas, but she was born in California and later moved to Kansas with her husband.
California random facts
Siskiyou County, located in the northernmost part of California, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karuk, Modoc, and Shasta tribes, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for sustenance.

In the early 19th century, European settlement began in Siskiyou County with the arrival of trappers and fur traders. The region became an important center for trade and transportation, with pioneers using the Siskiyou Trail to travel between Oregon and California during the California Gold Rush. This trail was later expanded into a wagon road, connecting miners and settlers to the gold fields and fertile valleys of the county.

As settlements grew, Siskiyou County played a significant role in the formation of California as a state. In 1852, it became one of the original 27 counties when California was admitted to the United States. The county's name, derived from the Siskiyou Mountains that stretch through the area, reflects its rugged and mountainous landscape.

Throughout its history, Siskiyou County has faced challenges and experienced significant events. It witnessed conflicts between European settlers and Native Americans, such as the Modoc War in the late 19th century. The region also played a part in the logging industry during the 20th century, with timber being an important economic driver for the county.

Today, Siskiyou County is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the majestic Mount Shasta and the Klamath National Forest. It attracts outdoor enthusiasts and offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and skiing. The county continues to be an important agricultural area, with farming and ranching playing a vital role in its economy.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Siskiyou County, California.

  • 1850: Siskiyou County is established as one of the original counties in California.
  • 1852: The county seat is established in Yreka.
  • 1855: The county is named after the Siskiyou mountain range.
  • 1869: The town of Dunsmuir is founded as a railroad hub.
  • 1874: The city of Weed is established as a lumber town.
  • 1887: The county courthouse in Yreka is completed.
  • 1895: The county is heavily impacted by the "Great Blue Creek Fire" which lasts for several months.
  • 1911: Mount Shasta City is incorporated.
  • 1945: The Klamath River Dam is completed, providing hydroelectric power to the region.
  • 1983: The town of Tulelake is incorporated.
  • 2014: The Boles Fire destroys numerous homes and structures in the town of Weed.