We want to hear from you!
City Hall Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Closed for Lunch 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Closed all Major Holidays
Send an Email:
ofclerk-cityofloyalton@psln.com
Our Phone Number:
(530) 993-6750
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Closed for Lunch 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Closed all Major Holidays
Send an Email:
ofclerk-cityofloyalton@psln.com
Our Phone Number:
(530) 993-6750
|
Mailing Address for City Hall
P.O. Box 128 Loyalton, CA 96118 |
City Hall Location
605 School Street Loyalton, CA 96118 |
THE HISTORY OF LOYALTON AND SIERRA VALLEY
COME TO EXPERIENCE LIFE AS IT WAS 150 YEARS AGO.
LOYALTON
THE CITY OF GOOD LIVING WITH MORE ANIMALS THAN PEOPLE.
This area was settled in the late 1850’s mainly by Italian and Swiss immigrants traveling to California via covered wagons, drawn by oxen. These brave souls endured a hazardous journey across the interior of the United States. Their goal was to find a better life by creating a homestead in a fair land, such as this valley - or by enriching themselves in the gold mines in the Sierra Nevada mountains just west of the Sierra Valley. They came from afar - from places such as Chicago, New York City and Europe. What they found in this lush 100,000 acre valley was a land with plentiful water and teeming with wild-life, fish and game. Many of these brave souls, who risked their lives to make the journey here, decided to stay rather than continue on across the high mountains to the gold mines on the other side. The settlers who stayed, formed successful dairy businesses to supply the gold miners in California with essentials such as milk, cheese, meat, eggs and hay. As you drive around the valley today, you will notice many streets names such as Roberti, Fillipini, Maddelena, Folchi - clearly of Italian origin. The descendants of these families still live in the valley today and own substantial ranches. Loyalton's mayor is a 7th generation descendant of the original settlers who came to this valley.
The homesteaders called their town Smithneck. And, during the American Civil War (1861 - 1865), the population raised huge amounts of money for the Union Army to help them defeat the Confederate Army. So, community leaders thought it appropriate to change the town's name from Smithneck to Loyalton because the population was such a loyal town - as demonstrated by its generous support of the Union Army.
Due to the proximity of vast forests and the huge demand for wood in the California gold mines and Nevada silver mines, Loyalton boomed. And, when the Boca & Loyalton railroad arrived in 1901, Loyalton's city boundaries actually encompassed an area of 50 square miles, making it one of the largest towns in California by land area.
With the decline of gold mining, Loyalton’s logging industry experienced a slump and, by 1915, nearly all the lumber mills closed. But, much of the old lumber is still around - located within pretty Victorian homes that you can find here in Loyalton, Sierraville and Sattley and, of course, in the amazing historic barns dotted across the Sierra Valley. Many of these old barns date to the 1800s. They were built with wooden nails and a lot of sweat.
After World War II, when pasteurization regulations came into effect, the local ranchers switched from dairy cows to raising beef cattle. To this day, the Sierra Valley is summer pasture for beef cattle. In the late fall, the cattle are moved down to pastures in the Sacramento foothills - and they return every Spring. The production of hay continues - as it has since the mid 1800s, when the valley was settled. Sierra Valley ranches are renowned for the quality of their hay, which is a function of warm summers with cool nights and a pristine environment.
Increasingly, tourism is an important industry to the community. Tourists love the beauty and serenity of this valley. It is steeped in history. We hope that you enjoy all that it has to offer - pristine lakes in the surrounding mountains, birding, fishing, bicycling our quiet roads and trails, horseback riding, endless wild flower hikes, skiing, snow mobiling, kayaking, golfing and wild-life watching. You might see bears, coyotes, antelope, elk and many species of raptors and water fowl, especially at dusk and after sunrise. The headwaters of the mighty Feather River system are in this valley and are an important fly-way for migrating birds.
Loyalton has a high speed broadband network, so you can stay connected while enjoying this beautiful area
The homesteaders called their town Smithneck. And, during the American Civil War (1861 - 1865), the population raised huge amounts of money for the Union Army to help them defeat the Confederate Army. So, community leaders thought it appropriate to change the town's name from Smithneck to Loyalton because the population was such a loyal town - as demonstrated by its generous support of the Union Army.
Due to the proximity of vast forests and the huge demand for wood in the California gold mines and Nevada silver mines, Loyalton boomed. And, when the Boca & Loyalton railroad arrived in 1901, Loyalton's city boundaries actually encompassed an area of 50 square miles, making it one of the largest towns in California by land area.
With the decline of gold mining, Loyalton’s logging industry experienced a slump and, by 1915, nearly all the lumber mills closed. But, much of the old lumber is still around - located within pretty Victorian homes that you can find here in Loyalton, Sierraville and Sattley and, of course, in the amazing historic barns dotted across the Sierra Valley. Many of these old barns date to the 1800s. They were built with wooden nails and a lot of sweat.
After World War II, when pasteurization regulations came into effect, the local ranchers switched from dairy cows to raising beef cattle. To this day, the Sierra Valley is summer pasture for beef cattle. In the late fall, the cattle are moved down to pastures in the Sacramento foothills - and they return every Spring. The production of hay continues - as it has since the mid 1800s, when the valley was settled. Sierra Valley ranches are renowned for the quality of their hay, which is a function of warm summers with cool nights and a pristine environment.
Increasingly, tourism is an important industry to the community. Tourists love the beauty and serenity of this valley. It is steeped in history. We hope that you enjoy all that it has to offer - pristine lakes in the surrounding mountains, birding, fishing, bicycling our quiet roads and trails, horseback riding, endless wild flower hikes, skiing, snow mobiling, kayaking, golfing and wild-life watching. You might see bears, coyotes, antelope, elk and many species of raptors and water fowl, especially at dusk and after sunrise. The headwaters of the mighty Feather River system are in this valley and are an important fly-way for migrating birds.
Loyalton has a high speed broadband network, so you can stay connected while enjoying this beautiful area