Whiskeytown in Shasta County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
A Matter of Progress
Whiskeytown Lake
Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 8, 2008
1. A Matter of Progress Marker
Photo Caption:
Some 200 Whiskeytown-area residents still lived here when dam construction began in 1959. Their properties were purchased, a cemetery relocated, and the Whiskeytown post office and store moved to high ground.
In the mid to late 1800s you would have traveled here by horseback, mule train, stagecoach, or on foot. The rough road that would have led you here continued into the valley, now filled with Whiskeytown Lake. It passed near mining camps along Clear Creek and through the small towns of Whiskeytown, Oak Bottom, and Grizzly Gulch. You might have stayed at Mixs Hotel, Oak Bottom House, or Browns House. There you were certain to find a hearty meal, a strong drink, and a livery stable.
The towns here prospered from gold miners and travelers. But gold gave out and the railroad shifted traffic to nearby Redding. Still, some stayed on, right up to the building of the Whiskeytown Dam and Reservoir from 1959 – 1963.
Erected by Whiskeytown National Recreation Area - National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1959.
Location. 40° 36.012′ N, 122° 32.143′ W. Marker is in Whiskeytown, California, in Shasta County. It can be reached from Kennedy Memorial Drive. Marker is located at the Whiskeytown Lake Visitors Center at the Clair A. Hill Whiskeytown Dam.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sacramento Valley, specifically in the Central Valley, and in the Shasta Cascade. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, in the Cascade Range, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A Matter of Balance (here, next to this marker); The Glory Hole (here, next to this marker); Kennedy Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Central Valley Project (within shouting distance of this marker); Pioneer Baby's Grave (approx. 1.9 miles away); Shasta (approx. 2.3 miles away); Shasta County Court House (approx. 2.3 miles away); Survivors of the Gold Rush (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Whiskeytown.
Also see . . .
1. Whiskeytown. Ghost Towns website entry (Submitted on December 14, 2008.)
2. John William Harrison of Grizzly Gulch. RootsWeb website entry (Submitted on December 14, 2008.)
Additional keywords. Dams
Photographed by Don Morfe, February 26, 2013
2. A Matter of Progress Marker
This marker is seen on the left.
Photographed by Don Morfe, February 26, 2013
3. Whiskeytown Lake
Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 8, 2008
4. Close-Up of Photo on Marker - Whiskeytown
The inlaid photo is of a classroom with the caption of “Children attended elementary school in Whiskeytown beginning in 1855.”
Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 8, 2008
5. The Relocated Whiskeytown Cemetery
Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 8, 2008
6. Clair A. Hill Whiskeytown Dam
Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 8, 2008
7. Whiskeytown Lake
Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,282 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 14, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 2, 3. submitted on February 16, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on December 14, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
