Kennett, California

[1] Prior to settlement by Euro-Americans, the land around Kennett was home to nine major groups of Wintu, living in approximately 250 villages.

Shasta County was created in 1850, and by 1852 large numbers of settlers had begun to arrive in search of gold and other precious ore. After the Wintoon War of 1858-59, almost all Wintu were either dead or forced onto reservations.

They contained extremely pure copper ore, and brought great wealth to the small town.

[6] Parts of these mines are still above water, but can only be accessed by hiking through dense foliage or up a steep embankment from the lake.

Kennett continued to prosper, and saw an economic boom during World War I brought on by the increase in metal prices.

The end of the war contributed to an economic depression for the town, as the expanded mines, smelters, and railroad lines were too large to be supported by a peacetime economy.

Most people sold their land to the government willingly, while some waited until the waters began to rise before abandoning their homes.