Whiskeytown in Shasta County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Camden House
Whiskeytown National Recreational Area
— Tower House Historic District —
Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 8, 2008
1. Camden House Marker
Charles Camden, who stressed patience, perserverence, and permanence, built this house as a one-room structure in 1852. Living here with his wife and family, he extracted $80,000 worth of gold from Clear Creek and its tributaries over an 18-year period. His enduring mining success was a rarity for the Shasta area.
As the Camdens’ wealth and family grew, so did their home. By 1867 they had three daughters, and Camden added two rooms to the house, as well as a full second story. Behind the house he built a summer kitchen, servants quarters, and a woodshed.
Today the Camden House is one of Shasta County’s oldest houses.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.
Location. 40° 39.874′ N, 122° 38.196′ W. Marker is in Whiskeytown, California, in Shasta County. Marker can be reached from State Highway 299. Marker and site are 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 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tower House Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away); French Gulch (approx. 2.4 miles away); French Gulch Hotel (approx. 2.4 miles away); E. Franck & Co. (approx. 2.4 miles away); French Gulch Lodge (approx. 2½ miles away); I.O.O.F. Lodge #75 (approx. 2.7 miles away); Central Valley Project (approx. 6.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Whiskeytown.
Additional commentary.
1. Charles Camden
Charles Camden was born in Aston Magna Worcestershire, England, on January 29, 1817. On October 1, 1834, at age 17, he arrived in New York.. In eventually landed in San Francisco on October 2, 1849 after spending time in Ohio, Texas, and Louisiana and 18 months in Chile. In California, Mr. Camden was engaged in mining as the owner of the “Iron Mountain Mine”. He also built stores in Shasta County along with being credited for building the "Camden Turnpike" from Shasta to the Tower House, water ditches, and a saw mill for lumber supply.
— Submitted October 
16, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 8, 2008
2. Close Up of Photo on Marker
In a double ceremony with Levi Tower and his bride, Camden married Levi's sister Philena. The wedding took place in the Free Bridge House, which was later expanded and became the Tower House.
2. Camden House Tours
Source: NPS.org-Whiskeytown, Tower House District
Tour the 1852 home of pioneer/prospector Charles Camden and learn how he and his partner Levi Tower reshaped the landscape during the California Gold Rush. Discover how the area became a regional center of transportation and the efforts by the National Park Service to revitalize the historic orchard started by Levi Tower. Visitors meet across the footbridge at the Tower House Historic District.
— Submitted October 16, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 8, 2008
3. Close Up of Photo on Marker
Painting of Camden House before 1900, date and painter unknown.
Cherry, pear, peach and apple orchards once covered the acres around this house.
Cherry, pear, peach and apple orchards once covered the acres around this house.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 8, 2008
4. Camden House
Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 8, 2008
5. Camden House
Photographed By Syd Whittle, May 8, 2008
6. Camden House
Credits. This page was last revised on November 8, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 16, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 3,736 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 16, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
