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. 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′ W. Marker is in Lewiston, California, in Trinity County. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Shasta Cascade,

on the Coast Ranges,

and in the Klamath Mountains.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and specifically in the Pacific Northwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

on the Pacific Rim,

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in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Killing of Edward Jose’ (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewiston Pioneer Cemetery (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Congregational Church of Lewiston (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lewiston Hotel (approx. half a mile away); Wilson Ranch Granary (approx. ¾ mile away); Jumper Sawmill (approx. 5.6 miles away); Steel Bridge (approx. 6.3 miles away); Lowden’s Wagon Road (approx. 6.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewiston.

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

Map of Historic Lewiston image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 3, 2012

3. Map of Historic Lewiston

Click to enlarge.

Matlock's Store, Built Circa, 1860 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 3, 2012

4. Matlock's Store, Built Circa, 1860

George Washington Commemorative Walnut Tree image. Click for full size.

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.

Lewiston Hotel image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 3, 2012

6. Lewiston Hotel

Old Lewiston School House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 3, 2012

7. Old Lewiston School House

Today the school house serves as the town's library and museum.

The Old Lewiston Bridge Over the Trinity River. image. Click for full size.

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 1,096 times since then and 35 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.