Whiskeytown in Shasta County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Tower House Historic District
Whiskeytown National Recreational Area
Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 8, 2008
1. Tower House Historic District Marker
Down this short trail, a bridge crosses Clear Creek just before the creek converges with Crystal and Mill Creeks. Prehistory and history converge here, too – on the Tower House Historic District. For more than 6000 years this area was home to the Wintu People. Other evidence of human enterprise and growth are here as well, sparked by the discovery of gold in Clear Creek during the mid 1800s.
Water is the thread that connects history here. These streams provided year-round water, relief from the valley’s hot summers, and a dependable source of salmon and other fish. Later, the waters were used to irrigate gardens and orchards, quench thirsty horses, and help mine gold. If you walk all or part of this 1 ˝ mile trail system, you can discover the stories of people drawn to these fertile stream banks.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 40° 39.776′ N, 122° 38.065′ W. Marker is in Whiskeytown, California, in Shasta County. Marker can be reached from State Highway 299. Marker is located
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Toll Bridge (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Camden House (approx. 0.2 miles away); French Gulch (approx. 2˝ miles away); French Gulch Hotel (approx. 2˝ miles away); E. Franck & Co. (approx. 2˝ miles away); French Gulch Lodge (approx. 2.6 miles away); I.O.O.F. Lodge #75 (approx. 2.8 miles away); Central Valley Project (approx. 6.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Whiskeytown.
Also see . . . Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. National Park Service website entry (Submitted on October 15, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 8, 2008
2. Close Up of Photo and on Marker
Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 8, 2008
3. Close Up of Photo on Marker
Levi Tower (his hotel and guests shown here) came to this area in search of gold, then made a short-lived fortune by building and operating the "Tower House" Hotel. (See Tower House Hotel marker for additional information)
Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 8, 2008
4. Close Up of Artwork on Marker
Wintu doctor Num Ken Chata, like her Wintu ancestors, lived a resourceful lifestyle and enjoyed the abundance of the local forests and streams.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 8, 2008
5. Trail Map on Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 3,046 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 15, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
