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Six miles west of Redding, a row of old, half-ruined brick buildings remind passing motorists that Shasta City, the lusty "Queen City" of California's northern mining district, once stood on this site. These ruins and some of the nearby roads, cottages, and cemeteries are all silent but eloquent vestiges of the intense activity that was centered here during the California gold rush.
Iron shutters still swing on massive, old, iron hinges before the doors and windows of grass-filled, roofless buildings that once were crowded with merchandise, and alive with the human sounds of business, trade, and social endeavor.
To walk among Shasta’s remaining buildings, cemeteries, sites and ruins is to look back at the daily lives of the merchants, families and miners who once lived and worked here.
Today’s ruins were businesses that served the area’s townspeople and commerce. Walking trails pass by the 1920s schoolhouse, the brewery, and spring houses once used as natural refrigerators. Notice that many of the trees planted by Shasta’s pioneers continue to bear nuts and fruit. Tour the Pioneer Union Cemetery and the Catholic Cemetery, or enjoy a picnic under the trees. Inside the Pioneer Barn, a restored stagecoach invites your attention, and mining and farm equipment are on display.
Getting There
Shasta is located in the foothills of the Klamath Range, six miles west of Redding on Highway 299.
Shasta is located in the foothills of the Klamath Range, six miles west of Redding on Highway 299.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Summer and fall can be dry and hot, reaching 100 degrees. Though snowfall is not uncommon, winter temperatures generally range from 30 to 50 degrees. Spring is usually cool and rainy. Layered clothing is advised.
Summer and fall can be dry and hot, reaching 100 degrees. Though snowfall is not uncommon, winter temperatures generally range from 30 to 50 degrees. Spring is usually cool and rainy. Layered clothing is advised.
Operating Hours & Contact
Hours of operation:
Friday and Sunday, from 10am to 5pm
Telephone: 530-243-8194
Hours of operation:
Friday and Sunday, from 10am to 5pm
Telephone: 530-243-8194
The Courthouse Museum
The Courthouse Museum, dating from 1855, has been restored to its 1861 appearance. It houses the visitor center and the museum, as well as the gathered works of outstanding California artists. The collection, consisting of 98 paintings by 71 artists from many ethnic backgrounds, was donated by Mae Helene Bacon Boggs in memory of her uncle. The paintings depict California’s rich and diverse history from 1850 to 1950.
The Courthouse Museum, dating from 1855, has been restored to its 1861 appearance. It houses the visitor center and the museum, as well as the gathered works of outstanding California artists. The collection, consisting of 98 paintings by 71 artists from many ethnic backgrounds, was donated by Mae Helene Bacon Boggs in memory of her uncle. The paintings depict California’s rich and diverse history from 1850 to 1950.
The Litsch General Merchandise Store
The restored Litsch Store is one of Shasta’s original buildings. Visitors can see what it was like to shop during the 1880s, when merchandise was displayed and stored behind the counter, and customers had to ask the clerk to assist them. The store is open during summer and fall, when staff and volunteers provide guided tours. Call for a tour schedule.
The restored Litsch Store is one of Shasta’s original buildings. Visitors can see what it was like to shop during the 1880s, when merchandise was displayed and stored behind the counter, and customers had to ask the clerk to assist them. The store is open during summer and fall, when staff and volunteers provide guided tours. Call for a tour schedule.
The Blumb Bakery
The Blumb Bakery is a faithfully reconstructed building. Its 1870s wood-fired oven is used at times for baking demonstrations, and visitors are invited to prepare and eat their own baked goods.
The Blumb Bakery is a faithfully reconstructed building. Its 1870s wood-fired oven is used at times for baking demonstrations, and visitors are invited to prepare and eat their own baked goods.
Educational Activities
Guided tours include the Courthouse Museum, the Litsch General Merchandise Store, and the cemeteries. Baking demonstrations are also available. Special summer events and performances take place. Full Moon Cemetery Tours take place in October, and the Holiday Open House is on the first Sunday in December. Children’s programs include art, history and nature. Call for a current schedule of events.
Guided tours include the Courthouse Museum, the Litsch General Merchandise Store, and the cemeteries. Baking demonstrations are also available. Special summer events and performances take place. Full Moon Cemetery Tours take place in October, and the Holiday Open House is on the first Sunday in December. Children’s programs include art, history and nature. Call for a current schedule of events.
Outdoor Activities
Shasta State Historic Park is made up of 19 acres of the historic town of Shasta.
Today, visitors can walk historic trails and roads that give subtle hints of past occupants. Cottage ruins, gardens and orchards are some sights that you can see when walking some of the trails at the park.
The cemetery trail will lead visitors to the Catholic Cemetery, where many of Shasta's prominent citizens are buried.
The Pioneer Barn area is adorned with farming and mining implements of the 1800s. The hay barn houses an original stagecoach and more agricultural supplies and the large, old oak trees shade an area perfect for a picnic.
Shasta State Historic Park is made up of 19 acres of the historic town of Shasta.
Today, visitors can walk historic trails and roads that give subtle hints of past occupants. Cottage ruins, gardens and orchards are some sights that you can see when walking some of the trails at the park.
The cemetery trail will lead visitors to the Catholic Cemetery, where many of Shasta's prominent citizens are buried.
The Pioneer Barn area is adorned with farming and mining implements of the 1800s. The hay barn houses an original stagecoach and more agricultural supplies and the large, old oak trees shade an area perfect for a picnic.
History
In 1848 Pierson B. Reading found gold in nearby Clear Creek. The world caught gold fever as word of the strike spread. Besides the attraction of gold, the area was rich in natural resources. By 1849 the community of tents and lean-tos was named Reading Springs. At the hub of wagon travel, the area became the commercial center of northern California. Temporary residences gave way to houses, stores, hotels, barbershops and saloons. The busy town was renamed Shasta in 1850, and by 1852 more than $2.5 million in gold had passed through Shasta.
In December 1852, fire destroyed much of the town. The residents quickly rebuilt, but six months later another fire destroyed all 70 businesses on Main Street. Wary merchants rebuilt with fireproof brick walls and iron shutters. Shasta now had the longest row of brick buildings north of San Francisco.
Gold claims were depleted by the late 1860s. Shasta’s gradual decline was hastened when its lucrative stagecoach and freight business moved away. The new Central Pacific Railroad bypassed Shasta, placing its terminal in nearby Redding. Merchants abandoned or relocated their businesses, and in 1888, after three decades at Shasta, the county seat moved to Redding. Shasta’s abandoned buildings quickly fell into disrepair.
In 1848 Pierson B. Reading found gold in nearby Clear Creek. The world caught gold fever as word of the strike spread. Besides the attraction of gold, the area was rich in natural resources. By 1849 the community of tents and lean-tos was named Reading Springs. At the hub of wagon travel, the area became the commercial center of northern California. Temporary residences gave way to houses, stores, hotels, barbershops and saloons. The busy town was renamed Shasta in 1850, and by 1852 more than $2.5 million in gold had passed through Shasta.
In December 1852, fire destroyed much of the town. The residents quickly rebuilt, but six months later another fire destroyed all 70 businesses on Main Street. Wary merchants rebuilt with fireproof brick walls and iron shutters. Shasta now had the longest row of brick buildings north of San Francisco.
Gold claims were depleted by the late 1860s. Shasta’s gradual decline was hastened when its lucrative stagecoach and freight business moved away. The new Central Pacific Railroad bypassed Shasta, placing its terminal in nearby Redding. Merchants abandoned or relocated their businesses, and in 1888, after three decades at Shasta, the county seat moved to Redding. Shasta’s abandoned buildings quickly fell into disrepair.
Preservation & Restoration
Several groups and individuals recognized the significant historical value of the town’s “boom to bust” story and decided to preserve the community. The care and concern of the Native Sons of the Golden West, the Shasta Historical Society and Mae Helene Bacon Boggs sparked a movement in the 1920s to save and restore the remaining buildings.
Ms. Boggs had moved from Missouri to Shasta as a child to be cared for by her uncle, Williamson Lyncoya Smith. Considering Shasta her hometown, she led the movement by purchasing land and structures and donating her valuable and extensive art collection. The California State Parks Commission acquired additional properties in 1937, and in 1950 the Courthouse Museum opened.
Several groups and individuals recognized the significant historical value of the town’s “boom to bust” story and decided to preserve the community. The care and concern of the Native Sons of the Golden West, the Shasta Historical Society and Mae Helene Bacon Boggs sparked a movement in the 1920s to save and restore the remaining buildings.
Ms. Boggs had moved from Missouri to Shasta as a child to be cared for by her uncle, Williamson Lyncoya Smith. Considering Shasta her hometown, she led the movement by purchasing land and structures and donating her valuable and extensive art collection. The California State Parks Commission acquired additional properties in 1937, and in 1950 the Courthouse Museum opened.
Accessible Features
Courthouse/museum: The route of travel is accessible, and an entry ramp provides access to the front doors. Stair risers and rails are usable. The historic building may challenge some visitors, but staff members are available to provide assistance when needed. The exhibits and spaces in the upstairs area are generally accessibly designed. The historic jail exhibit downstairs has a ramped entrance. Stairs, rails and some doors to the jail are usable. Accessible parking is available.
Coyle Foster Barn: This open barn has exhibits inside and out. They are generally accessible.
Bakery, Leo and Litsch Store: The Bakery and Litsch store are generally accessible. Both have thresholds, hardware and door issues, and occasional tight spaces. The Leo store is generally accessible. An accessible restroom is attached to the Bakery and is entered from outside the Bakery.
Courthouse/museum: The route of travel is accessible, and an entry ramp provides access to the front doors. Stair risers and rails are usable. The historic building may challenge some visitors, but staff members are available to provide assistance when needed. The exhibits and spaces in the upstairs area are generally accessibly designed. The historic jail exhibit downstairs has a ramped entrance. Stairs, rails and some doors to the jail are usable. Accessible parking is available.
Coyle Foster Barn: This open barn has exhibits inside and out. They are generally accessible.
Bakery, Leo and Litsch Store: The Bakery and Litsch store are generally accessible. Both have thresholds, hardware and door issues, and occasional tight spaces. The Leo store is generally accessible. An accessible restroom is attached to the Bakery and is entered from outside the Bakery.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Shasta State Historic Park Tour
Explore the remains of the "Queen City" of California’s northern mining district while learning about the gold rush
Explore the remains of the "Queen City" of California’s northern mining district while learning about the gold rush
Easy
1.0 mi/
1.6 km
1.6 km
Guides
Explore the remains of the "Queen City" of California’s northern mining district while learning about the gold rush
Nearby Community Trips
Nice trail along the Sac river. Great view of Shasta from the Dam. Lots of off-road options.
