Yreka Historic Preservation

The Yreka Carnegie Library Building
during construction
1915

The City of Yreka is known as the city where "History Lives On"... and much of the history available is due to the wonderful archives at the Siskiyou County Museum (located in Yreka, the county seat) as well as a multitude of local authors who have thoroughly researched and written books, articles, pamphlets and produced videos about the past and its people and the news of the day. Within many of the organizations and activities that have promoted Yreka and Siskiyou County History have been two names that, in the past, have been most prominent: Fred J. Meamber and his wife, R. Bernice Soule' Meamber. These two individuals were influential in the founding of a number of local historical groups including the Siskiyou County Historical Society (1948), the Symposium Group of Historical Societies of Northern California and Southern Oregon (1952), and the Yreka Committee for Historic Preservation Corporation, founded in 1972.

Today the Yreka Historic Preservation Corporation continues and is actively recruiting new members interested in Yreka History and Preservation! In the past they have been involved in many activities in town and nearby areas to promote historic preservation to list just a few of their accomplishments: helped fund restoration of the Carnegie Library Building, provided funding for the Randolph Collier statue at the Siskiyou County Courthouse (Collier was a local State Senator from Yreka that served Siskiyou for many years), they also helped fund restoration efforts of the Montague Train Station, and placed historic signs throughout Yreka's residential districts that show the original owner of the home and year built.



Sample of a residential home marker/sign.


The Yreka Historic Preservation Corporation holds their main purpose as "to promote the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of historical buildings within the City of Yreka". They also host on their website a photo tour of historic homes and buildings that are still standing, as well as a photo tour of vintage images. For folks that are genealogists and are researching Yreka, you will also find a listing of the homes with historic signs and information at the website.

As an aficionado of local history, preservation ~ and the author of Yreka History I encourage you to consider joining the Yreka Historic Preservation Corporation ~ your dues will help preserve our fascinating history!
Claudia East

Thompson's Dry Diggings Monument

Today this monument sits towards the west end of Discovery Park located near the corner of Yama and Discovery Streets in Yreka. However, when this monument to Abraham Thompson and the first discovery of gold in our area was dedicated in June of 1948 the surroundings were natural vegetation, (with lots of sage brush) rocks and dirt. The plot of ground was donated to the County for the Siskiyou County Historical Society by Mr. Joseph Wetzel, descendant of an early pioneer family.

The fledgling town that grew "on the flats" just a few blocks from this monument was first known as Thompson's Dry Diggings. The town grew rapidly and enjoyed a name change or two but the name Yreka had the staying power.

This approximate spot, where gold was first discovered, was researched by Alex J. Rosborough, O. G. Steele, and W. B. H. Fairchild prior to the decision to erect this monument. On the top of the brass plaque is an artist's depiction of the gold discovery. This art work was created by a Mrs. Ruth Salinas of Mount Shasta. The brass plaque is attached to a 15 ton native boulder and has hosted the plaque for over 60 years.

The plaque reads:

"Thompson's Dry Diggings

Gold was discovered here in March 1851 by Abraham Thompson, member of a party which was enroute from Oregon to Scott Bar. Following a heavy rainstorm, particles of gold in the roots of grass pulled up by pack animals caused Thompson to wash three pans of gravel. The results convinced the party that the area was rich enough to work. In the party were Dr. F. G. Hearn, Judge Silas J. Day and a Mr. Bell, Thompson's partner. All staked claims on these flats thirty feet square, and it was named "Thompson's Dry Diggings". Within six weeks 2,000 prospectors rushed here to mine, but the need of water caused the settlement to move to the creek. And it became known as Shasta Butte City. This name being confused with Shasta, in Shasta County. Was changed to "I-E-K-A," The Indian word for Mt. Shasta. "Now Yreka" in 1852.

Erected by Siskiyou County Historical Society
1948"

It may be noted that the origin of the name Yreka, and the various names following Thompson's Dry Diggings has had alternative information presented throughout the years.
Copyright: Claudia A. East, 2009