National Register Listing

Helena Historic District

a.k.a. Helena Townsite

N of U.S. 299 W, on North Fork of Trinity River, Helena, CA
Local significance of the district:
Historic - Aboriginal; Historic - Non-aboriginal; Exploration/settlement; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

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.

aboriginal non-aboriginal exploration settlementT architecture
Audiobooks about the history of California.
The state's name is derived from a novel called "Las Sergas de Esplandián," which was published in 1510. The book, written by Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo, tells the story of a mythical island called California that is ruled by Queen Calafia and is said to be filled with gold and precious stones.
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 concise overview of the key events in the history 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.