Near Upper Lake in Lake County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Bloody Island (Bo-no-po-ti)
Photographed By Karen Key, September 17, 2006
1. Bloody Island (Bo-no-po-ti) Marker
One-fourth mile west is the island called Bo-no-po-ti (Old Island), now Bloody Island. It was a place for native gatherings until May 15, 1850. On that date, a regiment of the 1st Dragoons of the U.S. Cavalry, commanded by Capt. Nathaniel Lyon and Lt. J.W. Davidson, massacred nearly the entire native population of the island. Most were women and children. This act was in reprisal for the killing of Andrew Kelsey and Charles Stone who had long enslaved, brutalized, and starved indigenous people in the area. The island, now a hill surrounded by reclaimed land, remains a sacred testament to this sacrifice of innocents.
California Registered Historical Landmark No. 427. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Lucy Moore Foundation, California Department of Transportation, and United States Forest Service, May 15, 2005.
Erected 2005 by State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Lucy Moore Foundation, California Department of Transportation, and United States Forest Service. (Marker Number 427.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 15, 1775.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Clear Lake Habitat (here, next to this marker); The Pomo (here, next to this marker); Bloody Island (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Old Gas Station (approx. 1.6 miles away); Drug and Prescription Store (approx. 1.6 miles away); Diamond Match Lumber Co. (approx. 1.6 miles away); The IOOF Hall (approx. 1.6 miles away); The West Side of Main Street (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Upper Lake.
Also see . . . Bloody Island massacre. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on May 20, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Karen Key, September 17, 2006
2. Bloody Island (Bo-no-po-ti) Marker
Photographed By Karen Key, April 27, 2007
3. Marker with California poppies blooming in the spring time
Photographed By Diane Phillips
4. Bloody Island (Bo-no-po-ti) Marker
The marker has been moved to this location.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2006, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. This page has been viewed 13,485 times since then and 214 times this year. Last updated on April 25, 2021, by Diane Phillips of Pittsburg, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 24, 2006, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. 3. submitted on May 29, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. 4. submitted on April 25, 2021, by Diane Phillips of Pittsburg, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
