COTTONWOOD HISTORY
In 1849, Cottonwood
was known as a stop over for supplies and a bite
to eat before heading up the Oregon Trail. Cottonwood
became a postal station in 1952, and in 1859 a
Bavarian immigrant, Jacob Foster, purchased 240
acres on the north side of Cottonwood Creek where
the town of Cottonwood now lies. This land was
originally part of the vast Mexican Land Grant
of the California pioneer, Pierson B. Reading,
known as "Buenna Venture." Foster built
a hotel on his land and soon Cottonwood became
a home to the weary traveler before heading north
to the gold fields of through the mountains into
Oregon Territory.
Southern Pacific
Railroad Company laying its rails north in 1872
established a depot and brought new life to the
sleepy little town. Cottonwood became a major
shipping point of cattle, lumber and other agricultural
products from the fertile lands along the Sacramento
River and Cottonwood Creek.
By the 1920's, Cottonwood
had its own bank, four general merchandise stores,
its well known hotel and several bars and eating
establishments.
During the depression
and into the war years, Cottonwood continued to
prosper with its economic base in agriculture
and lumber products.
Slowly, but significantly
during the 50's and 60's, Cottonwood began to
grow as a residential community and by 1970 the
citizens of Cottonwood started to look back to
their heritage. The old store fronts along Front
Street were looked at as something to preserve
and maintain. A museum committee was formed and
efforts made to record the history of old-timers
in the area. Main Street today wears the efforts
of the Cottonwood Historical Preservation Society.
Route 99 which has been designated as a historical
route runs through the center of town.
Ever-increasing numbers
of tourists are bringing their families into this
recreationally abundant region around Cottonwood.
Recreational developlents, large reserves of forest
lands, the Sacramento River and lakes to the north
have brought about the development of tourism
and an industry in our town. Cottonwood today
is a residential community proud of her past and
aware of the future. We are proud of our community
and know that you, as a visitor, will feel the
same way.
