Modoc County
History
MODOC COUNTY
This county is named after an Indian tribe that formerly ranged in the
northeastern part of California. Their true name is Moadoc- a name which
originated with the Shasta Indians and means all distant, stranger or hostile
Indians. The name was applied by the whites to this tribe in early days from
hearing the Shastas speak of them. The county is bounded on the north by
Oregon, on the east by Nevada, on the south by Lassen and Shasta counties, and
on the west by Siskiyou County.
Modoc may be considered a high sage plateau, the plains broken by low ranges of
mountains, the general elevation being over four thousand feet above sea level.
The more elevated mountain range, the Warner, strikes north and south across the
eastern border.
There are numerous lakes, which, though covering a large area, are for the most
part, shallow. Pit River is the only large stream within the county limits. It
has its origin in Goose Lake, on the northern border. A portion of this lake
lies in the state of Oregon. Issuing from its source, the Pit flows in a
southwesterly direction centrally across the county.
Excepting on the slopes on the Warner Range, before mentioned, where grow heavy
forest of pine and cedar, there is but little timber of Modoc. The plateau is
covered with a variety of wild grasses, which afford good pasturage, and the
stock subsisting thereon are generally in fine condition. In the valleys good
farming land is found. Surprise Valley is the largest in extent, and is noted
for the richness of its soil.
Mineral springs abound everywhere, for the waters of which medicinal virtues are
claimed. The principal towns in the county are: Alturas, the county- seat; Fort
Bidwell, a military post; Cedarville and Adin, the principal mining center; and
Eagleville.
While Modoc may and, no doubt, does maintain mineral deposits of many kinds and
of much importance, none of ascertained value has yet been discovered. Many
years ago a number of silver-bearing lodes were located in the mountains, near
Surprise Valley, and some prospecting work done. One of the locations a quartz
mill was erected, but owing to the remoteness of the place, and, in some
measure, to Indian hostilities, the work of development was tardy, and when the
mill was destroyed by fire, finally abandoned. The amount of bullion obtained
from the working was inconsiderable, so the extent and value of existing
deposits are left, as yet, undetermined. The settlers in the county have turned
their attention chiefly to farming and stock-raising; mining is nearly
altogether neglected. In Lassen County, just over the southern boundary of
Modoc, quartz mines are being worked. (For further description see Lassen
County) Modoc's mineral wealth is yet lying dormant, awaiting the awakening hour
of enterprise.
A Memorial and biographical history of
Northern California : containing a history of this important section of the
Pacific coast from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time :
together with glimpses of its prospective future, full-page portraits of its
most eminent men, and biographical mention of many of its pioneers and also of
prominent citizens of to-day.- Lewis Pub , 1891- page 160
Transcribed by Carolyn Feroben.