Near Hornbrook in Siskiyou County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Hilt, CA
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 20, 2017
1. Hilt, CA Marker
In 1851 John Hilt made his way to California from Illinois, landing in Hangtown. Hearing of rich diggins made his way north to Yreka by 1852. Finding way to the Cottonwood area (Hornbrook) where he worked mining, ranching, farming and saw milling. In 1877 Hilt bought a mill from his son in law Bill Smith, worked it for a few years. Then the mill was sold to a group of men which formed the Hilt Sugar Pine Co. Hilt Sugar Pine Co. then started a town, naming it after the previous mill owner. Later the Northern Ca. Lumber Company bought the mill. Then in 1920 Fruit Growers Supply Co. took over operations at the mill in Hilt, utilizing it as a box factory supplying fruit boxes to growers for Sunkist and others in the Southwest region. The company town thrived, consisting of various businesses including the Sunkist Hotel, the Diamond Club Saloon, the Hilt Store, The Baily Hill School, the Colestine Resort among others. On October 5, 1972 F.G.S. announced the outcome of a vote, resulting in the cease of operations of the mill in Hilt. In 1974 the town of Hilt was vacant, and as it was known, has disappeared into the past, though it will remain in
this page online
Erected 2017.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is October 5, 1972.
Location. 41° 59.746′ N, 122° 37.31′ W. Marker is near Hornbrook, California, in Siskiyou County. Marker is at the intersection of Hilt Road and Siskiyou Avenue, on the left when traveling west on Hilt Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hornbrook CA 96044, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Hilt War Memorial (here, next to this marker); Siskiyou Pass (approx. 5.3 miles away in Oregon); Siskiyou Mountain Wagon Road (approx. 5.4 miles away in Oregon); a different marker also named Siskiyou Mountain Wagon Road (approx. 6.3 miles away in Oregon); Founding of the American Legion (approx. 6.8 miles away); Cottonwood (approx. 6.9 miles away); Bradford Ripley Alden (approx. 7.2 miles away); Cottonwood Basin (approx. 7.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hornbrook.
Also see . . . Fruit Growers Supply Company -- Exploring Lassen County's Past and more . . . It was Hilt how Fruit Growers entered into the lumber business and not necessarily by choice. The Northern California Lumber Co. owned a mill at Hilt. The
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 20, 2017
2. Hilt, CA Marker
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer
3. Fruit Growers Lumber Mill at Hilt
Credits. This page was last revised on January 13, 2018. It was originally submitted on January 13, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 932 times since then and 128 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 13, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
