People

Kate Camden, circa 1867.

Early Inhabitants of Whiskeytown

Before the establishment of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in 1965, the land was home to diverse groups whose histories shaped the region. The first known inhabitants were the Wintu people and their ancestors, who lived in the area for thousands of years, maintaining deep cultural and spiritual ties to the land and waters. The Wintu continue to live in Northern California today, preserving their traditions and resilience despite the challenges they faced.

The mid-19th century brought significant changes to the area, spurred by the California Gold Rush. Waves of settlers, including "forty-niners" like best friends Charles Camden and Levi Tower, arrived in search of fortune. The Camdens and Towers were among the pioneer families who settled in the area, with Levi’s sister, Philena, marrying Charles and becoming Philena Camden.

As was common at the time, the Camdens engaged in practices reflective of the period’s societal norms, including the purchase of Native Americans as servants. One such individual was Kate, a young Wintu girl who came to be known as Kate Camden. Her story, like many others, is a reminder of the exploitation and hardships endured by Native American communities during this era.

These early inhabitants—both the Wintu and the settlers—left a lasting legacy on the Whiskeytown landscape, influencing its history and cultural heritage in profound ways.