Historical Marker

Tower House Historic District

Historical marker location:
Whiskeytown, California
( Marker can be reached from State Highway 299.)

Whiskeytown National Recreational Area

architecture houses residential buildings
In 1965, the Watts Riots erupted in Los Angeles after a police officer arrested a Black man for drunk driving. The six-day riot resulted in 34 deaths, over 1,000 injuries, and $40 million in property damage. The Watts Riots were a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement and helped to spark a nationwide conversation about race relations.
California random facts
Shasta County, located in Northern California, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by indigenous Native American tribes, including the Wintu, Yana, and Pit River peoples. These tribes lived in harmony with the abundant natural resources that the area offered, such as the rivers, forests, and fertile land.

In the mid-19th century, the California Gold Rush brought a wave of settlers to the area in search of fortune. Shasta County quickly became a major center for gold mining, with towns like Shasta City and Redding springing up to accommodate the influx of people. The region's rivers, such as the Sacramento River, played a vital role in transporting supplies and people during this time.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Shasta County also saw significant industrial development. The mining industry continued to thrive, with copper and zinc being majorly extracted. Additionally, the arrival of the Central Pacific Railroad in the late 1800s brought new opportunities for growth and commerce.

In the modern era, Shasta County has made a name for itself as a beautiful natural destination. The magnificent Mount Shasta, a dormant volcano and one of the tallest peaks in California, attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. Its surrounding forests, lakes, and rivers provide ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating. Today, Shasta County is a vibrant community that cherishes its history while embracing the wonders of its natural surroundings.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Shasta County, California.

  • 1772 - Spanish explorers begin to explore the area, led by Captain Pedro Fages.
  • 1828 - Jedediah Smith, an American trapper, becomes the first known non-Native American to explore the area.
  • 1849 - Gold is discovered in the area, leading to a significant population increase as people rush to find their fortune.
  • 1850 - Shasta County is officially established as one of California's original counties.
  • 1864 - The town of Redding is founded and becomes the county seat of Shasta County.
  • 1873 - The Central Pacific Railroad arrives in Shasta County, providing a significant economic boost to the area.
  • 1920s - The construction of Shasta Dam begins, creating a large reservoir and providing hydroelectric power to the region.
  • 1938 - Shasta Dam is completed, becoming one of the largest concrete dams in the world at the time.
  • 1960s - Interstate 5 is constructed, connecting Shasta County to major cities in California and Oregon.
  • 1992 - The Fountain Fire, one of the largest wildfires in California history, burns over 60,000 acres of land in Shasta County.
  • 2018 - The Carr Fire devastates parts of Shasta County, destroying over 1,000 homes and claiming several lives.
  • 2020 - The coronavirus pandemic affects Shasta County, leading to various health and economic challenges for the community.