Fandango Pass was part of the Applegate-Lassen Trail. It is located in what is now Modoc County in California. The pass was very difficult for the pioneers to cross. It is said that when they reached the top, they were so happy to think that they had finally reached the promised land of California, that they danced the "Fandango."

James Beckwourth conducted a train of 17 wagons along his pioneer trail which took the travelers from the Truckee River (Sparks, Nevada) through the American Valley and into Marysville.
- Fairfield Page 11

The Beckwourth Trail crosses through what is now southern Lassen County. Highway 70 from Hallelujah Junction westward follows the old route of the pioneer trail.

 

James Beckwourth

 

Beckwourth's Cabin near Portola in Plumas County

Nobles' Party is formed. A group of men from the Shasta area paid William Nobles $2000 to show them his route through the Sierras. They then reported back to people living in the Shasta area about the trail. The term "Honey Lake Valley" was given by a member of Nobles' Party. - Fairfield Page 18

Also this year, Dr. Atlas Fredonyer discovers and names Fredonyer Pass. - Fairfield Page 20

 

 

Isaac Roop's hotel and store in the town of Shasta burn down.

 

 

He travels alone by horseback to the Honey Lake Valley - Fairfield Page 21

Isaac Roop then files claim to much of the land that will later become the town of Susanville.

"Notice - I Isaac Roop do take up and claim the following described tract of land. Beginning at a pine tree on the south side of Susan river at the foot of the bluffs, thence running north some four hundred rods more of less to a pine stake set at the foot of the bluffs on the north side of Susan river, thence west to the timber thence south along said timber to the top of the bluffs on north of the Susan river thence up said river on the top of said bluffs two miles thence across Susan river to the top of the buffs on the south side of Susan river thence down on the edge of said bluffs to the edge of the timber thence to continue in a south-easterly course to the place of beginning. (This being in the head of the valley) Sept A. D. 1853 Isaac Roop" - Fairfield Page 21

A fight between a pioneer and the Indians over missing catttle leads to the death of Dr. McClay. He was the first white man killed by Indians in the Honey Lake Valley. - Fairfield page 23.

 

Isaac Roop, Ephriam Roop, William NcNall, Captain William Weatherlow, William Armstrong and others (no names were recorded) build what was to later be refered to as Roop's Fort. It was a cabin 27 feet long, 18 feet 9 inches wide, and 8 feet high at the corners. To support the cabin, Isaac Roop claimed the water rights to Smith Creek (Paiute Creek) and began work on the Roop Ditch to bring water to the Fort.- Fairfield Page 24

 

Peter Lassen, Mr. Kenebeck, Mr. Parker and another (not identified) came into the Honey Lake Valley and camped in the upper end of the Elysian Valley. They explored the area. They decided that they liked the area near where the Lassen Monument is today. They made a claim to the land.

Peter Lassen later returned with Joseph Lynch, William Gallagher and Samuel Knight. They brought with them supplies and equpipment to begin mining the area. They dug the Lassen Ditch to bring water to their claim. They found gold and were successful. However, Mr. Lassen and Mr. Knight had a fight. Unable to reach an agreement, they divided their supplies and left.

Peter Lassen returned again to the area, this time with Isadore Meyerwitz, Joseph Lynch, Mr. Greenwood, and Mr. Lazier. They brought more supplies including blacksmithing equipment, mining tools, and a plow. They also brought cows, horses, and oxen. During this time Lassen cut hay to feed the livestock and built a cabin with help from others. - Fairfield Pages 25-267