Redwood History Basic Data

E. CRESCENT CITY IS LAID OUT

Crescent City was laid out in 1853, and soon large numbers of settlers arrived, attracted by the nearby mineral and agricultural resources. The mining region in the mountains to the east was then thought to be "among the best and richest in the State." Although the expectations of the miners in regard to the lasting qualities of the placer mines were not realized, yet the mines "panned out" and the deposits were of sufficient abundance to arouse considerable excitement.

The miners in the Myrtle Creek diggings did well in 1854. Each hand averaged from five to 15 dollars per day, and in June one prospector took out in two hours $400 in gold. [20] New diggings were now found on South Fork of Smith River. Within a short time, miners were making from ten to 25 dollars a day, each, while laborers were being paid from $100 to $150 per month. [21]

On November 4, 1856, new diggings were reported on Peacock Creek, a stream draining the redwood country and discharging into Smith River, near the White & Miller ferry, six miles from Crescent City. Dirt paying from three to five cents per pan was found in large quantities, and some claims were worked which produced from ten to 20 cents to the pan. [22]