Shasta State Historic Park: The 'Queen City' of California's Northern Mines

During the California gold rush, Shasta was the center of mining, commerce, and social activity for Northern California — a hub so prominent it became known as the lusty 'Queen City' of the region's northern mining district. Goods bound for the surrounding camps moved through its streets, and for a time it was one of the busiest places in the northern part of the state.

As the gold rush moved on, Shasta declined, and the masonry buildings that had symbolized its prosperity slowly fell into ruin. Today California State Parks preserves what remains: rows of half-ruined brick buildings, streets, and scattered remnants that you can walk along the old Main Street, plus a Courthouse Museum that interprets the town's rise and fall.

Shasta makes a relaxed counterpoint to busier ghost towns. It is close to Redding and the Interstate 5 corridor, so RV travelers heading toward Mount Shasta, Whiskeytown, or the far north can fold in a visit easily. Walk the brick ruins in the open air, then step into the courthouse exhibits to put the standing walls in context.