Historical Markers in
Trinity County, California

Anvil Firing Bagdad Bagdad – North Fork – Helena Big Flat – Big Bar Bucket Line Dredges California – Oregon Stage Road California – Oregon Trail / California – Oregon Road Cameron Building Site Carrville Charles Wm. Carpenter Chinese Tong War Clifford Hall Congregational Church of Lewiston Dedrick E Clampus Vitus 1855 & 1962 Francis Bonnington Mathews Hamilton’s Store I.O.O.F. Hall Japanese Bomb Balloon Joss House Jumper Sawmill Junction City Centennial Kellogg Cemetery Lee Family Ranch House Lewiston Hotel Lewiston Pioneer Cemetery Lewis’ Town/Lewiston Lowden’s Wagon Road Moving Mountains... New York Hotel Old Section Old Weaverville Fire Station Pacific Brewery Paymaster Mine Stampmill Race Track – Airport – Golf Course Reading’s Bar Salt Creek School Site of Cañon City Site of First Cabin Spanish Corral Spiral Staircases Steel Bridge The Bowerman Barn The Carr Building The Killing of Edward Jose’ The La Grange Mine The Old Courthouse Trinity Centre Then – Trinity Center Now. Trinity Congregational Church Trinity County Courthouse Turning Water into Gold Weaverville / Mountain Charlie Weaverville Bandstand Weaverville Basin Gold Discovery Site Weaverville Chinatown Weaverville Drug Store Wilson Ranch Granary Won Lim Miao “Jim Swett Field”
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
Located in Northern California, Trinity County has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Wintu and Yurok tribes, who lived off the land and practiced sustainable agriculture. European settlers arrived in the early 19th century, primarily attracted to the gold rush of the 1850s.

Trinity County experienced a significant population boom during the gold rush era, as prospectors flocked to the area in search of fortune. Several mining towns emerged throughout the county, including Weaverville, which became the county seat. Weaverville quickly grew into a prosperous and bustling town, attracting individuals from all walks of life.

However, as the gold rush subsided, Trinity County experienced a decline in population and economic activity. Many settlers turned to other industries such as logging and agriculture, leveraging the region's natural resources to sustain their livelihoods. Timber and agriculture became important sectors in the county's economy, and many towns emerged as logging centers.

In recent years, Trinity County has experienced a revival of sorts, with an increasing focus on tourism and outdoor recreation. The county's stunning natural beauty, including the Trinity Alps Wilderness, Trinity River, and Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area, has attracted visitors seeking hiking, fishing, camping, and boating opportunities. Today, Trinity County celebrates its rich history while embracing its natural resources as a means of economic growth and community development.

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

  • 1850: Trinity County is established as one of California's original 27 counties.
  • 1851: Gold is discovered in Trinity County, leading to a significant influx of miners.
  • 1852: Weaverville becomes the county seat of Trinity County.
  • 1860s: The town of Helena becomes a major center for hydraulic mining.
  • 1863: The town of Trinity Center is founded during the mining boom.
  • 1893: Trinity County experiences a population decline as mining activities decrease.
  • 1937: The Trinity Dam is completed, providing water resources and hydroelectric power.
  • 1955: The town of Lewiston is established after the creation of the Lewiston Dam.
  • 1999: Trinity County is affected by a major wildfire, known as the Fork Fire.
  • 2010: Trinity County celebrates its 160th anniversary since establishment.