Lewiston in Trinity County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Lewis’ Town/Lewiston
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 3, 2012
1. Lewis’ Town/Lewiston Marker
Inscription.
Lewis’ Town/Lewiston. . Forty-niner Thomas Palmer, bought Cephus Wood’s property, known as “Old Tucker’s Place,” in 1850. In 1851, he built a ferry, a bridge, and numerous buildings. Palmer hired his adopted son, Benjamin Franklin Lewis to run his enterprises, known to many as Lewis’ Bridge Estates, called Lewiston. Palmer died in 1853, leaving the entire 320 acres on the river including improvements, to B.F. Lewis. Lewis lost a lawsuit in February, 1855, to Palmer’s former associates and was forced to sell out. In 1856, Lewis married an English woman named Mary, in Sacramento, CA. They had three children; Elvira, Frank P. and Renania. The Lewis’ lived in many locations. Mary died in 1878, in Lakeview, Ore. The man who gave Lewiston its name was known to all as a solid citizen of upstanding character. B.F. Lewis died of natural causes Sept. 28, 1900, in The Dalles, Oregon.
Forty-niner Thomas Palmer, bought Cephus Wood’s property, known as “Old Tucker’s Place,” in 1850. In 1851, he built a ferry, a bridge, and numerous buildings. Palmer hired his adopted son, Benjamin Franklin Lewis to run his enterprises, known to many as Lewis’ Bridge Estates, called Lewiston. Palmer died in 1853, leaving the entire 320 acres on the river including improvements, to B.F. Lewis. Lewis lost a lawsuit in February, 1855, to Palmer’s former associates and was forced to sell out. In 1856, Lewis married an English woman named Mary, in Sacramento, CA. They had three children; Elvira, Frank P. and Renania. The Lewis’ lived in many locations. Mary died in 1878, in Lakeview, Ore. The man who gave Lewiston its name was known to all as a solid citizen of upstanding character. B.F. Lewis died of natural causes Sept. 28, 1900, in The Dalles, Oregon.
Erected 2007 by Friends of the Old Lewiston Schoolhouse Library and Museum and E Clampus Virtus, Trinitarianus Chapter #62.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1855.
Location. 40° 42.463′ N, 122° 48.419′
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W. Marker is in Lewiston, California, in Trinity County. Marker is at the intersection of Lewiston Turnpike Road and Deadwood Road on Lewiston Turnpike Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lewiston CA 96052, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Also see . . . A Bit of Lewiston History - Old Lewiston School House. Lewistown (as Lewiston was originally called), was started about 1850 by a Mr. Lewis with his Trading Post, and the town grew around his place of business and was named for him. In those days, and until about 1858, it was spelled Lewistown.(Submitted on June 9, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 3, 2012
2. Lewis’ Town/Lewiston Marker
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 3, 2012
3. Map of Historic Lewiston
Click to enlarge.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 3, 2012
4. Matlock's Store, Built Circa, 1860
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 3, 2012
5. George Washington Commemorative Walnut Tree
Born 1735 – Died 1799
This plot donated by Mr. & Mrs. J.W. Phillips for one gold dollar in hand paid to Trinity River Grange No. 458. This tree commemorates the 200[th] birthday of the 1st President of the U.S.A.
Planted Feb. 22, 1932.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 3, 2012
6. Lewiston Hotel
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 3, 2012
7. Old Lewiston School House
Today the school house serves as the town's library and museum.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 3, 2012
8. The Old Lewiston Bridge Over the Trinity River.
Built in 1900 and still in service.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 706 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on June 9, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.