Memorial plaque with the Lassen Historical Museum in the background

Earlier this month, in my continuing quest to photograph as many California Historical Landmarks as possible, I drove for nearly an hour from Eagle Lake to Susanville. I was searching for three sites in particular; the first was Peter Lassen’s grave, and the second was Roop’s Fort. Unfortunately, by the time I arrived at what is now Memorial Park, it was nearly 5 PM. The Lassen Historical Museum was closed, and the sun was directly at my back as I tried to photograph the plaques on the grounds outside. Still, it’s a beautiful spot, and I was reluctant to leave before I had a good look around.

Roop’s Fort — Built in 1854 by Isaac N. Roop. First called Roop House, and used as stopping place by emigrant trains. It was the locale of the Sagebrush War, fought in 1863 between Plumas County and Lassen County citizens. Erected by Susanville Parlor No. 243, Native Daughters of the Golden West.

In yesterday’s post I mentioned Nataqua Territory — both Isaac Roop and Peter Lassen were very much involved in creating this “claim association,” which was mainly created to protect the property rights of local settlers who didn’t wish to pay taxes to either Plumas County or the State of Nevada. Their jurisdictional squabbles led in 1863 to the Sagebrush War — also termed the Roop County War or the War of Injunctions — an armed confrontation that ended in negotiations (a “4-hour gun battle followed by a beer-drinking session,” as described in Mark R. Williams’ Northern California Off the Beaten Path) and ultimately the creation of Lassen County. In 1857, Isaac Roop bestowed the name of his daughter, Susan, upon the nearby river and the town of Susanville.

Susanville mural of Isaac Roop and his daughter Susan