Robert Dunsmuir (August 31, 1825 – April 12, 1889) was a Scottish-born Canadian businessman and politician.
85-522: Dunsmuir is a city in Siskiyou County , northern California . It is on the upper Sacramento River . Its population is 1,707 as of the 2020 census , up from 1,650 from the 2010 census . Dunsmuir is currently a hub for tourism in Northern California , with Interstate 5 passing through it. Visitors enjoy fishing, skiing, climbing, or sight-seeing. During the steam locomotive railroad era, it
170-710: A Chinook Jargon word for a "bob-tailed horse" (ultimately originating in Cree ), or as was argued before the State Senate in 1852, from the French Six Cailloux (six stones), a name given to a ford on the Umpqua River by Michel Laframboise and his Hudson's Bay Company trappers in 1832. Others claim the Six Cailloux name was appropriated by Stephen Meek , another Hudson's Bay Company trapper who discovered Scott Valley, for
255-481: A Southern Pacific train derailed into the upper Sacramento River at a horseshoe curve of track known as the Cantara Loop , upstream from Dunsmuir. Several cars made contact with the water, including a tank car. On the morning of July 15, it became apparent that the tank car had ruptured and spilled its entire contents into the river – approximately 19,000 gallons of the soil fumigant metam sodium . Ultimately, over
340-570: A cholera epidemic which swept the area. Three years later, grandfather Robert died a relatively wealthy man, leaving a third of his estate in trust for his orphaned grandchildren. Dunsmuir was schooled locally at the Kilmarnock Academy and then at the Paisley Mercantile and Mechanical School , a training helpful in the coal business. He then went to work in local coal mines under his Aunt's husband Boyd Gilmour. On September 11, 1847, at
425-670: A crossing on the Klamath River near Hornbrook . The county is home to the Black Bear Ranch , a commune started in 1968 with the slogan "Free Land for free people." On September 4, 2013, the Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors voted 4 to 1 to secede from the State of California. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 6,347 square miles (16,440 km ), of which 6,278 square miles (16,260 km )
510-470: A female householder with no husband present, and 43.3% were non-families. 35.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.84. In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.4% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 23.2% from 25 to 44, 28.8% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
595-570: A majority in the county was Lyndon Johnson in 1964 ; however, Bill Clinton won a plurality of votes in 1992 . Siskiyou County is in California's 1st congressional district , represented by Republican Doug LaMalfa . In the state legislature Siskiyou is in the 1st Senate District , represented by Republican Brian Dahle , and the 1st Assembly District , represented by Republican Megan Dahle . On November 4, 2008, Siskiyou County voted 60.1% for Proposition 8 which amended
680-412: A million fish, and tens of thousands of amphibians and crayfish were killed. Millions of aquatic invertebrates, including insects and mollusks, which form the basis of the river's ecosystem, were destroyed. Hundreds of thousands of willows, alders, and cottonwoods eventually died. Many more were severely injured. The chemical plume left a 41-mile wake of destruction, from the spill site to the entry point of
765-426: A single night fall below 20 °F (−7 °C). This most recently occurred during the winter of 2019–2020. The average annual precipitation is 63.33 inches (1,608.6 mm), with over 50% falling in just three months: December, January, and February. There are an average of 98 days with measurable precipitation. The wettest "water year" was from October 1982 to September 1983 with 111.14 inches (2,823.0 mm) and
850-766: A source of significant amounts of bottled water, distributed throughout the country. A large Crystal Geyser plant is at the base of Mt. Shasta, near Weed. Substantial amounts of the county are forested within the Siskiyou and Cascade Ranges, including significant oak woodland and mixed conifer forests . Siskiyou County is the northern extent of the range for California Buckeye , a widespread California endemic. The Klamath National Forest occupies 1,700,000 acres (6,900 km ) of land which includes elements in Siskiyou County as well as Jackson County, Oregon . Siskiyou Transit And General Express (STAGE) operates buses connecting
935-467: A unique setting is created by the Sacramento River in which class 3 whitewater rapids are usually created during summer run off through a town of about 2,000 residents. In plain view from some of the city's public streets, this may be one of the few places in western North America where three categories of "twos" (population, elevation, and whitewater difficulty) are met or eclipsed. (Eastern US example:
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#17328526069451020-466: Is also a destination for historical and cultural tourists, as the town has preserved an authentic 1920s and 1930s look and feel. Dunsmuir's long connection with the railroad draws railfans to enjoy the sights and sounds of the railroad in the steep Sacramento River canyon. Dunsmuir is officially a Union Pacific "Train Town" and enjoys many financial benefits because of its relationship with the railroad. During
1105-593: Is called Craigdarroch Castle and is today a popular tourist destination and National Historic Site of Canada . He and Joan had the following children together: His son James Dunsmuir became premier of British Columbia and later, lieutenant governor of the province . His daughter Effie (Anne Euphemia) Dunsmuir was married at St. George's, Hanover Square in London, England on February 27, 1900, to Captain Somerset Gough-Calthorpe , R.N., Naval Attache to
1190-589: Is in the Shasta Cascade region along the Oregon border. Because of its outdoor recreation, Mt. Shasta, McCloud River, and Gold Rush-era history, it is an important tourist destination within the state. Siskiyou County was created on March 22, 1852, from parts of Shasta and Klamath Counties, and named after the Siskiyou mountain range . Parts of the county's territory were given to Modoc County in 1855. The county
1275-474: Is land and 69 square miles (180 km ), or 1.1%, is water. It is the fifth-largest county by area in California. Siskiyou County is geographically diverse. From towering Mount Shasta (elev. 14,179 ft; 4,322 m) near the center of the county, to lakes and dense forests, as well as desert, chaparral, and memorable waterfalls, the county is home to world-famous trout-fishing rivers and streams, such as
1360-463: Is maintained by city residents and local rail enthusiasts, and includes a museum, telephones, restrooms and shelter from the weather. The town itself is a railroad museum with an operating turntable . The city is bisected by Interstate 5 , linking Yreka and Oregon to the north, and Redding and Sacramento to the south. Dunsmuir Municipal-Mott Airport is the city-owned public-use airport, located 3 nautical miles (5.6 km; 3.5 mi) north of
1445-562: Is the site of the central section of the Siskiyou Trail , which ran between California's Central Valley and the Pacific Northwest . The Siskiyou Trail followed indigenous footpaths, and was extended by Hudson's Bay Company trappers in the 1830s. Its length was increased by " Forty-Niners " during the California gold rush . After the discovery of an important gold strike near today's Yreka, California , in 1851, prospectors flooded
1530-565: The Cherry River at Richwood, WV ) Mt. Shasta's lava layers filter the drinking water and eliminate the need for filtration or treatment; thus the town's marketing slogan, "Home Of The Best Water On Earth". Three water fountains are located on Dunsmuir Avenue in the Historic District. Two of the fountains previously ran 24 hours a day, however have since been changed in 2015 to only flow on demand due to water conservation measures placed on
1615-718: The Colony of Vancouver Island as an indentured $ 5 a week miner for the Hudson's Bay Company , he died the richest man in British Columbia in sole control of an empire estimated to be worth $ 15 million ($ 509 million today). His obituary in the Vancouver News-Advertiser said of him "he was neither a politician nor a statesman, as judged by the usual standards applied to such, but was a very practical, hard-headed and level-headed legislator who knew what he wanted and usually took
1700-519: The Dunsmuir Amtrak station , located on one of Dunsmuir's two commercial streets, both in the historic district. This is the only stop in Siskiyou County, and the northernmost Amtrak station in California, located at a midpoint between Redding and Klamath Falls, Oregon . The County bus service, the Stage, from Dunsmuir north through the county (Mt. Shasta, Weed, Yreka, etc.) connects to Amtrak. The station
1785-588: The Royal Navy . The company bought out Farquhar in 1879 and in 1883 Diggle was paid $ 600,000 for his half share of the business, then producing a profit of $ 500,000 per year. Dunsmuir was one of the founders of the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway Company which built the rail line from Esquimalt to Nanaimo , later extended to Wellington , Victoria and Courtenay . His company received a grant of land comprising 20% of Vancouver Island as an incentive to build and equip
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#17328526069451870-483: The Sacramento and McCloud rivers. The county is dotted as well with lakes and reservoirs, such as Castle Lake and Lake Siskiyou . Mount Shasta itself has a winter sports center. Pastoral Scott Valley in the western part of the county has many wide, tree-lined meadows, supporting large cattle ranches. The basins of northeastern Siskiyou County, including Butte Valley, Lower Klamath and Tule Lake basins, have some of
1955-522: The Trinity Alps . Visitors ski (both alpine and cross-country) and bicycle, or can hike to the waterfalls, streams and lakes in the area, including nearby Mossbrae Falls , Hedge Creek Falls , Lake Siskiyou , Castle Lake and Shasta Lake . Dunsmuir is located on the Upper Sacramento River, a blue ribbon trout stream that attracts fishermen from all over the world. Wild rainbow trout abound in
2040-471: The census of 2000, there were 44,301 people, 18,556 households, and 12,228 families residing in the county. The population density was 7 per square mile (2.7/km ). There were 21,947 housing units at an average density of 4 per square mile (1.5/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 87.1% White , 1.3% Black or African American , 3.9% Native American , 1.2% Asian , 0.1% Pacific Islander , 2.8% from other races , and 3.7% from two or more races. 7.6% of
2125-469: The central business district . Siskiyou County, California Siskiyou County ( / ˈ s ɪ s k juː / SISK -yoo ) is a county located in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of California . As of the 2020 census , the population was 44,076. Its county seat is Yreka and its highest point is Mount Shasta . It falls within the Cascadia bioregion . Siskiyou County
2210-450: The poverty line , including 23.7% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over. Dunsmuir has a City Manager form of government with an elected five-person Council, a Chamber of Commerce, a mayor, and two school districts. The current mayor is Matthew Bryan. The Dunsmuir Fire Department and The Dunsmuir Fire Protection District operate together under a Joint Powers Authority (JPA). The department has an automatic aid agreement with
2295-718: The British Embassy, St. Petersburg. He was the son of Lieut-General Hon. S. J. Calthorpe, and grandson of the 6th Lord Calthorpe. His daughter Maud Dunsmuir was married, in London, Eng., June, 1898, to Captain Reginald Spencer Chaplin, 10th Royal Hussars, only son of Col. J. W. Chaplin, V.C., C.B., of Kenilworth Hall, Leicestershire. He served as an A.D.C. to Field Marshal Lord Roberts and served in South Africa. Jessie Sophia became Lady Musgrave on her marriage to Sir Richard Musgrave. Thirty-eight years after arriving at
2380-486: The California Constitution to ban same-sex marriages. Dunsmuir and Mount Shasta voted against Prop 8. On September 3, 2013, the Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors voted 4–1 in favor of secession from California to form a proposed state named Jefferson . A similar move was made in 1941, but was shelved due to the attack on Pearl Harbor . The following table includes the number of incidents reported and
2465-618: The Castella Fire District and all three are overseen by a single Fire Chief. The fire department runs on average 400 to 500 calls per year. The original city fire department was founded in 1897. In 1992 the City of Dunsmuir Police Department was disbanded and law enforcement services for the city were contracted to the Siskiyou County Sheriff Department. Dunsmuir contracts for 7,200 hours of service per year which provides
2550-467: The Central Pacific, called its rail line “The Road of A Thousand Wonders.” In the early 1940s, Siskiyou County was home to the semi-serious State of Jefferson movement, which sought to create a new state from several counties of northern California and the adjoining counties of southern Oregon. The movement has seen a revival in recent years. The origin of the word Siskiyou is not known. It may be
2635-518: The City of Dunsmuir figure out a safer route to the falls. Hedge Creek Falls is a waterfall on Hedge Creek, in the Shasta Cascade area in Dunsmuir, California. There is a small cave located behind the waterfall, allowing visitors to walk behind the cascading water. Shortly after the waterfall, Hedge Creek flows into the Sacramento River south of Mossbrae Falls . There is a viewing platform over
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2720-585: The Gardens, which are on City of Dunsmuir property under the general control of Siskiyou County , via the Board of Directors of the Dunsmuir Park & Recreation District. In 1924, New York Yankees Babe Ruth and Bob Meusel visited the park as part of a barnstorming tour , playing an exhibition baseball game against Dunsmuir locals. Tauhindauli Park and Trail is on the former site of Upper Soda Springs resort along
2805-514: The River, the surrounding hillsides, and continues north along the eastern bank of the Sacramento River to the Dunsmuir City Park. The State of California and the City of Dunsmuir are creating a new park on this historic site. The Upper Soda Springs site contains a riparian ecosystem and includes its namesake mineral water springs . In large part because of its location on the Siskiyou Trail ,
2890-527: The Sacramento River canyon. It consists of approximately 10 acres (4.0 ha) of level ground on the bank of the river, the surrounding hillsides, and continues north along the eastern bank of the Sacramento River to the Dunsmuir City Park, in the heart of Dunsmuir. Long a local fishing spot, swimming hole, and site of both historical and ecological significance, the site has been improved to enhance its recreational opportunities and aesthetics. Environmental work and levee restructuring has improved flood control for
2975-468: The Upper Sacramento River to catch-and-release fishing all year round. Five-pound trout have often been caught right in the city. Dunsmuir has numerous parks located throughout the city. Dunsmuir City Park and Botanical Gardens is a 10-acre (4.0 ha) municipal park and botanical garden maintained by Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization of volunteers within Dunsmuir City Park. It requires public support to maintain
3060-423: The age of 18 living with them, 51.7% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.1% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.87. In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.0% under
3145-461: The age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 22.7% from 25 to 44, 28.4% from 45 to 64, and 18.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 96.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.1 males. The median income for a household in the county was $ 29,530, and the median income for a family was $ 36,890. Males had a median income of $ 31,936 versus $ 22,650 for females. The per capita income for
3230-572: The age of 22, Dunsmuir married 19-year-old Joan White. Eight days later, their first child, Elizabeth Hamilton was born. Their second child, Agnes, was also born in Scotland in 1849. At the end of 1850, Dunsmuir's mentor, and his aunt's husband, Boyd Gilmour, had signed on with the Hudson's Bay Company to exploit a coal finding on the northeast coast of Vancouver Island at Fort Rupert (near present-day Port Hardy ). Because some of those who were to travel with him decided not to go upon hearing news of
3315-634: The area. This was described in detail by Joaquin Miller in his semi-autobiographical novel Life Amongst the Modocs. In the mid-1880s, the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad along the Siskiyou Trail brought the first wave of tourism. Visitors were drawn by the county's many summer resorts , and to hunt or fish in the largely untouched region. The Southern Pacific railroad , the successor to
3400-660: The canyon along with the railroad and the upper Sacramento River. As a result, Dunsmuir retains today much of the charm and scale of the 1920s and 1930s, and has been designated on the National Register of Historic Places . The downtown area is now a designated historic district. The California Theater, after fifty years without an organ, were able to acquire and re-install their original Wurlitzer instrument. In July 1935, two fugitives were passing through town. Police Chief F.R. "Jack" Daw, and California Highway Patrol Officer C. "Doc" Malone went to catch them. The criminals ambushed
3485-459: The capital it needed to exploit its claim. Once the crown lease the HBC held expired in 1859, it had become possible for claims to be staked by others. In October 1869 Dunsmuir was fishing for trout at Diver Lake, a few miles north and west of Nanaimo, when he found a coal outcrop. He staked a claim to 1,600 acres (647 ha) in a band 1,000 yards (914 m) wide and 4 miles (6 km) long including
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3570-400: The city was 90.64% White , 1.87% African American , 1.98% Native American , 0.52% Asian , 0.05% Pacific Islander , 2.34% from other races , and 2.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.93% of the population. There were 867 households, out of which 23.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.1% were married couples living together, 10.3% had
3655-690: The city with a Sergeant and four Deputy Sheriffs. The sheriff department answers around 2,500 calls for service annually. In the California State Legislature , Dunsmuir is in the 1st Senate District , represented by Republican Brian Dahle , and the 1st Assembly District , represented by Republican Megan Dahle . In the United States House of Representatives , Dunsmuir is in California's 1st congressional district , represented by Republican Doug LaMalfa . Amtrak 's Coast Starlight stops daily in both directions at
3740-588: The company to purchase the 6,193 acres (2,506 ha) that made up its Nanaimo operation. With the new pit operational, the HBC sold its entire Nanaimo operation to the Vancouver Coal Mining and Land Company in September 1862 for $ 200,000. Dunsmuir worked from time to time as Superintendent of that company and, as well, for the Harewood Coal Company of his friend Dr Alfred Benson, which failed to raise
3825-523: The conditions and prospects there, Gilmour sought replacements for his party at the last moment. On 24 hours' notice of this opportunity, Dunsmuir signed on. They sailed on the Pekin , for Fort Vancouver , via Cape Horn , on December 19, 1850. It took 191 days for them to arrive. Eight days later, on July 8, 1851, Joan Dunsmuir gave birth to their third child, James Dunsmuir . On July 18, 1851 they set sail for Fort Rupert , and when they arrived on August 9,
3910-422: The county was $ 17,570. About 14.0% of families and 18.6% of the population were below the poverty line , including 26.6% of those under age 18 and 7.3% of those age 65 or over. The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2020 census of Siskiyou County. † county seat Robert Dunsmuir He was recognized as a National Historic Person by the government of Canada in 1971. Dunsmuir
3995-660: The county. The closest airports for commercial domestic plane departures are Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport north of the county in Medford, Oregon , Crater Lake–Klamath Regional Airport , northeast of the county in Klamath Falls, Oregon , and Redding Municipal Airport south of the county in Redding, California . Siskiyou is a strongly Republican county in Presidential and congressional elections. The last Democrat to win
4080-485: The deepest and richest soils in the state, producing alfalfa, potatoes, horseradish, and brewing barley. Butte Valley nurseries are the leading source of premium strawberry plants in North America. Much of the county is densely forested with pine , fir , incense-cedar , oak , and madrone ; Siskiyou County is also home to the rare Baker's Cypress Tree, Cupressus bakeri , which grows in only eleven scattered locations in
4165-466: The driest from October 2020 to September 2021 with 27.28 inches (692.9 mm). The most rainfall in one month was 40.81 inches (1,036.6 mm) in January 1995. The most rainfall in one calendar day was 6.44 inches (163.6 mm) on December 31, 1996. Snowfall averages 26.7 inches (68 cm), falling on 13 days. The most snowfall in one season was 103.1 inches (262 cm) from July 2022 to June 2023, and
4250-402: The entire town. The Tauhindauli river restoration project created a park with pathways winding through native grasses and plants, with fishing access and picnic areas. For ecological and flood-control purposes, riparian forests and meadows have been restored close to their original condition. Levees have been moved and built up for maximum protection for the park from river erosion and to restore
4335-612: The first to use Dunsmuir's coal, invested $ 8,000 in the venture. Rear Admiral Arthur Farquhar , Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet invested a further $ 12,000. The two investors left the operation of the company to Dunsmuir. By 1873 the Wellington colliery was producing 16,000 of the 40,000 tons produced on Vancouver Island. By the end of 1875, Dunsmuir was producing 50,000 tons per year. Its two principal markets were San Francisco and
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#17328526069454420-609: The least snowfall in one season was 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) from July 2014 to June 2015. The most snowfall in one day is 30.0 inches (76 cm) on February 24, 2023. Dunsmuir is located at 41°13′18″N 122°16′23″W / 41.22167°N 122.27306°W / 41.22167; -122.27306 . According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 1.7 square miles (4.4 km), 97.86% of it land and 2.14% of it water. At an elevation of approximately 2,350 feet (720 m) above sea level,
4505-858: The more populated areas of the county. Amtrak trains stop in Dunsmuir . Amtrak Thruway formerly operated between Sacramento and Medford, OR, with stops in Yreka, Weed, Mount Shasta, and Dunsmuir, for passengers connecting to and from Amtrak trains in Sacramento or Stockton; this service was discontinued in 2009. Greyhound buses pass through the county on Interstate 5 with a stop in Weed. Siskiyou County owns and operates Butte Valley Airport , Happy Camp Airport , Scott Valley Airport , Siskiyou County Airport and Weed Airport (all general aviation). Dunsmuir Municipal-Mott Airport and Montague-Yreka Rohrer Field are also within
4590-542: The nearby cities of Yreka and Medford (about 90 miles or 140 km north in the state of Oregon ) but Dunsmuir receives three-and-a-half times as much precipitation. There are an average of 59 afternoons with highs at or above 90 °F (32.2 °C) and an average of 104 mornings with lows of 32 °F (0 °C) or lower, using the most recent 1991–2020 climate period. The record high of 109 °F (42.8 °C) has occurred on four separate occasions: August 8, 1981; August 9, 1984; July 30, 2022; and July 31, 2022, and
4675-517: The new settlements in the Oregon Country to the north. In 1841, an overland party of the famous United States Exploring Expedition passed through the area. The California Gold Rush led to increased traffic along the Siskiyou Trail through Dunsmuir's site, leading to the first non-Native American settlers at Upper Soda Springs in north Dunsmuir in the early 1850s. The discovery of gold at Yreka, California dramatically increased movement through
4760-425: The north half of Diver Lake and running right to Departure Bay in the area known as Wellington . In order to stake a claim of this size, he was required to form a company, to be known as Dunsmuir, Diggle & Company. His sons James and Alexander and some others were partners but signed off once the legal requirement of partners in the venture had been met. Wadham Diggle, commander of the naval vessel Boxer , one of
4845-425: The officers wounding Officer Malone and killing Chief Daw. One of the criminals, Clyde Johnson, was caught and put in jail in Yreka to await trial. A group of vigilantes from Dunsmuir went to Yreka, broke Johnson out of jail and lynched him. To this day the identity of those vigilantes has never been formally acknowledged. It is said to have been the last public lynching in California. On the night of July 14, 1991,
4930-456: The operation of a seam that Gilmour had thought was played out. On October 12, 1855, Dunsmuir commenced work on his own account and within a month was producing seven tons of coal a day. This venture was a modest success, but as the seam ran out, Dunsmuir was again employed to operate a new pit that the HBC opened in 1860. The lease from the crown that gave the HBC the rights to all of the coal found on Vancouver Island ran out in 1859, requiring
5015-455: The population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 13.5% were of German , 12.0% English , 9.8% Irish , 9.5% American and 7.1% Italian ancestry according to Census 2000 . 91.7% spoke English and 5.7% Spanish as their first language. As of March 2012, the largest self-reported ancestry groups in Siskiyou County are 15% German , 13% English , 12% Irish and 6% Italian . There were 18,556 households, out of which 27.6% had children under
5100-623: The population) lived in households, 0 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized. There were 763 households, out of which 180 (23.6%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 276 (36.2%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 84 (11.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 51 (6.7%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 80 (10.5%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships , and 6 (0.8%) same-sex married couples or partnerships . 271 households (35.5%) were made up of individuals, and 99 (13.0%) had someone living alone who
5185-420: The population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 764 people (46.3%) lived in rental housing units. As of the census of 2000, there were 1,923 people, 867 households, and 491 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,062.1 inhabitants per square mile (410.1/km). There were 1,170 housing units at an average density of 646.2 units per square mile (249.5 units/km). The racial makeup of
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#17328526069455270-602: The railway line to be owned and operated by the company. The Dunsmuir railway station was named after him. Dunsmuir was elected to the BC Legislature representing Nanaimo in the 1882 election while away on a European holiday, and was re-elected in 1886 . Shortly after election to the legislature, he entered the cabinet. Dunsmuir died at Victoria, British Columbia while still in office. The home he built for his wife Joan Olive (White) Dunsmuir in Victoria, British Columbia
5355-463: The rate per 1,000 persons for each type of offense. The 2010 United States Census reported Siskiyou County had a population of 44,900. The racial makeup of Siskiyou County was 38,030 (84.7%) White , 571 (1.3%) African American , 1,814 (4.0%) Native American , 540 (1.2%) Asian , 80 (0.2%) Pacific Islander , 1,491 (3.3%) from other races , and 2,374 (5.3%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4,615 persons (10.3%). As of
5440-408: The record low of 4 °F (−16 °C) occurred on December 21, 1990. The warmest overnight low was 71 °F (22 °C) on June 26, 1981, and the coldest afternoon high was 17 °F (−8 °C) on December 21, 1990. The average dates of the first and last freeze are October 20 and April 24, respectively. Despite the long freeze period, extreme cold is uncommon, and some winters go without seeing
5525-418: The river into Shasta Lake . The accident still ranks as the largest hazardous chemical spill in California history. The Upper Sacramento River is now largely recovered from the spill though some species (crayfish and frogs) have not yet come back. The watershed is carefully stewarded by The Upper Sacramento River Exchange. The popular fishery is again healthy. Recent changes to angling regulations have opened
5610-595: The river, with a view of Mount Shasta . Access to the waterfall and viewing platform is via a short hiking trail . The trail starts at a small park off the Dunsmuir Ave/Siskiyou Ave exit on Interstate 5 . The close proximity to Interstate 5 makes the waterfall a very popular stopping point for passing motorists. Charles E. Bolton, better known as Black Bart , robbed the Roseburg, Oregon to Redding, California stage near Dunsmuir on October 25, 1879. Evidence found at
5695-484: The river. Additionally, the city has a private stocking permit from the Department of Fish and Game. The city currently has a "Big Fish Program" and stocks the river within the city limits with trophy-sized rainbow trout up to 14 pounds (6.4 kg). These stockings take place during the summer months. Catch-and-release fishing is permitted in the river during the off-season, so fly-fishing is available year-round. The town
5780-593: The site mirrors the history of the state and of the American West . Mossbrae Falls is a waterfall flowing into the Upper Sacramento River , in the Shasta Cascade area in Dunsmuir, California. The falls are located just south of the lower portion of Shasta Springs . Access to the falls via a mile-long hiking trail on the Union Pacific Railroad tracks is currently closed, as Union Pacific and
5865-411: The site of Dunsmuir, and a toll bridge and stagecoach hotel were built at Upper Soda Springs . In 1887, the completion of the Central Pacific Railroad along the line of the Siskiyou Trail led to the creation of the modern town of Dunsmuir. The railroad developed a division point on the flats south of Upper Soda Springs, where railroad steam engines would be serviced, and added to trains to push them up
5950-531: The state of California by Governor Jerry Brown. The 2010 United States Census reported a population of 1,650. The population density was 951.0 inhabitants per square mile (367.2/km). The racial makeup of Dunsmuir was 1,443 (87.5%) White , 32 (1.9%) African American , 17 (1.0%) Native American , 15 (0.9%) Asian , 4 (0.2%) Pacific Islander , 30 (1.8%) from other races , and 109 (6.6%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 167 persons (10.1%). The Census reported that 1,650 people (100% of
6035-476: The steep grades north of town. A roundhouse and turntable were built. All this activity required the creation of a town, initially known as 'Poverty Flats' or 'Pusher'. South of the present downtown and north of Castella is an area known as Nutglade, which was previously known as Dunsmuir and before that, Cedar Flat. So the name moved north from the South rail yard to the main rail yard. During the railroad heyday, Dunsmuir
6120-660: The summer, the city hosts many local weekend festivals, including "State of Jefferson Brewfest", "Dogwood Daze", "Railroad Days" and the "Tribute to the Trees" al fresco dinner/concert along the river in the city's pristine park, home to Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens. The city also has another river's edge park, Tauhindauli Park, over which passes the I-5 freeway, and several popular easy-access fishing spots. Sites in and near Dunsmuir have been inhabited for over 5000 years. At least three waves of early peoples swept through area, establishing residence. At
6205-575: The three-year term on the contract with the Hudson's Bay Company began. Gilmour struggled unsuccessfully to develop a producing coal operation at Fort Rupert until August 24, 1852 when Governor Douglas instructed them to move on to Nanaimo where a coal seam had been discovered. Work proceeded but living conditions were difficult. In 1854 when the term of their HBC contracts came up and Governor Douglas refused to increase their pay rates, Gilmour left to return to Scotland. Dunsmuir stayed on. He went on to propose to Douglas that he carry on personally with
6290-400: The time indicated that Bart hid in the shallow cave behind the falls prior to the holdup. This was one of three holdups committed by Black Bart in this area. Normally he operated much further south. Dunsmuir has an oceanic Mediterranean climate ( Köppen : Csb , bordering on Csa ), featuring cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers with cool mornings. Its temperatures are similar to those of
6375-520: The time of the first European-American contact in the 1820s, the site of Dunsmuir was within the range of the Okwanuchu tribe of Native Americans . During the 1820s, early European-American hunters and trappers passed through Dunsmuir's site, following the Siskiyou Trail . In the mid-1830s, pioneer horse and cattle drives came up the Sacramento Canyon, delivering livestock from Mexican California to
6460-597: The watershed to the natural habitat which provides food for animals. The Park can be accessed from River Avenue. to the south and Stagecoach Road to Upper Soda Springs Road in the canyon. Tauhindauli Park and Trail was a project of the Dunsmuir Garden Club. Funding for this project came principally from the Cantara Trustee Council and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife . Shasta Springs
6545-399: The world, five of which are in Siskiyou County. The county's natural resources are most often used these days for skiing, snowboarding, hiking , mountain biking , camping , and wilderness recreation, as historic logging practices have been largely discontinued due to Federal and State environmental regulations. The county's water is viewed as sufficiently pure and abundant that the county is
6630-410: Was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.3 males. The median income for a household in the city was $ 23,191, and the median income for a family was $ 27,420. Males had a median income of $ 27,393 versus $ 19,148 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 15,982. About 13.4% of families and 19.3% of the population were below
6715-411: Was 47.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.2 males. There were 1,110 housing units at an average density of 639.8 units per square mile (247.0 units/km), of which 416 (54.5%) were owner-occupied, and 347 (45.5%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.8%; the rental vacancy rate was 15.6%. 886 people (53.7% of
6800-405: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16. There were 411 families (53.9% of all households); the average family size was 2.77. The population was spread out, with 320 people (19.4%) under the age of 18, 110 people (6.7%) aged 18 to 24, 354 people (21.5%) aged 25 to 44, 584 people (35.4%) aged 45 to 64, and 282 people (17.1%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
6885-573: Was born in Hurlford , Scotland , to 20-year-old James Dunsmuir and his wife Elizabeth in 1825. At the time of his birth, his family was engaged in the coal business in his native Ayrshire . Dunsmuir's grandfather, Robert, had leased coal properties and bought out local competitors in the days before the arrival of the railway in the 1840s permitting him to increase prices. In 1832, in the midst of this prosperity, Robert's mother, father, grandmother and two of his three sisters died within days of each other in
6970-481: Was the largest town in Siskiyou County, and for a long time had been the largest California city north of Sacramento. The construction of the Pacific Highway along the Siskiyou Trail in the mid-1910s brought more tourists. By the mid-1950s, the railroad transitioned from steam to diesel locomotives, and the substantial workforce in Dunsmuir was not needed, resulting in the town's contraction. Interstate 5 runs through
7055-416: Was the largest town in this County which is the size of Delaware and Rhode Island combined. In 1888, Alexander Dunsmuir, second son of British Columbian coal baron Robert Dunsmuir , was passing through, and according to contemporary accounts, was so taken with the beauty of the area that he offered to donate a fountain to the new town, if they would rename the town in his honor. By the early 1900s, Dunsmuir
7140-467: Was the name of a popular summer resort on the Upper Sacramento River , during the late Nineteenth Century and early Twentieth Century. It was located just north of the City of Dunsmuir, California and just north of Upper Soda Springs along the Siskiyou Trail in northern California Upper Soda Springs is on the banks of the Sacramento River in Dunsmuir, California. It consists of approximately ten acres (40,000 m) of level ground on both sides of
7225-416: Was the site of an important Central Pacific (and later Southern Pacific ) railroad yard, where extra steam locomotives were added to assist trains on the grade to the north. Located in the Shasta Cascade area of Northern California , Dunsmuir is a popular destination for tourists. Visitors come to fish trout in the Sacramento and McCloud Rivers, or to see and climb Mount Shasta , Castle Crags or
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