Dunsmuir History & Drive Through Old Town and The scenic under belly!!! #dunsmuir #history #oldwest

Dunsmuir has evolved from a rugged railroad outpost into a scenic mountain destination, defined largely by its geography and its role in California’s transportation history.
### The Early Era and "Pusher" Roots
Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by the **Okwanuchu** tribe. In the mid-19th century, the region became part of the **Siskiyou Trail**, used by trappers and gold seekers traveling between California’s Central Valley and the Pacific Northwest.
The town itself was born from the railroad. In the 1880s, the **Central Pacific Railroad** pushed through the Sacramento River canyon. The site was originally called **Pusher**, named for the extra locomotives required to "push" heavy freight trains up the steep grades toward Siskiyou Summit.
### The Naming of the Town
In 1886, a wealthy Canadian coal baron named **Alexander Dunsmuir** passed through the area. Enchanted by the landscape, he offered to donate a fountain to the town if they would rename it in his honor. The town agreed, and the **Dunsmuir Fountain** remains a landmark near the city park today.
### The Railroad Golden Age (1900–1950)
Dunsmuir officially incorporated in **1909**. For the first half of the 20th century, it was the industrial hub of Siskiyou County.
Division Point: It served as a major division point for the Southern Pacific Railroad**, housing a massive roundhouse, turntable, and repair shops.
Economy: At its peak, the town thrived as a quintessential "railroad town," with a bustling downtown catering to thousands of railroad employees.
### Transition to Tourism and "The Best Water on Earth"
As diesel engines replaced steam (reducing the need for frequent stops and pusher engines), Dunsmuir's identity shifted toward its natural assets.
Glacial Springs: The town began marketing its pure glacial spring water as the "Best Water on Earth."
* **Outdoor Recreation:** The area became a premier destination for fly fishing on the Sacramento River and hiking at Castle Crags State Park** and **Mossbrae Falls
### Historic Preservation
Today, Dunsmuir is recognized for its well-preserved **Historic Commercial District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The downtown architecture maintains an early 20th-century aesthetic, and the sound of train whistles still echoes through the canyon daily.
**Local Highlight:** Beyond its history, the town is known for unique local businesses—ranging from custom haberdashers like Simon & Co. to classic spots like the Pizza Factory.

Would you like to know more about the specific railroad landmarks or perhaps the hiking trails in the area?