About the Book

INDIAN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

It is estimated that Indian Valley in Plumas County was inhabited by the Maidu people for 10,000 years. It was then and is still a beautiful valley, surrounded by lush forests and flowing rivers. Pioneer Peter Lassen was the first white man to see its beauty. The Gold Rush caused the first population boom, and towns sprang up around the valley. Huge copper finds, in later years, increased the valley's population once again and brought in the railroad. After the mining started to fade there were many farmers, ranchers, and loggers working to replace the jobs lost from the mines closing. Today Indian Valley is home to several picturesque towns such as Taylorsville, Greenville, and Crescent Mills.

Richard McCutcheon was born and raised in Indian Valley and is a fourth-generation resident. His great-grandfather came to the area in 1870 and his grandfather, father, and he were all born on the family's ranch in the north arm of the valley. Today he lives in a home in the valley built in 1870. Using images from local museums and private collections, he has assembled an overview of the valley's colorful history.

The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.