Where is the “Real” Northern California?  Some would argue that Northern California is the San Francisco Bay Area and North to the Oregon Border.  Others would argue that the “Real” Northern California is the State of Jefferson, the 51st State.

“What is she talking about?  There is only 50 states.”  How about a little history on the 51st State….

Years ago, in 1941 to be exact, for two short months, several top dogs of this area started a secession movement to become a separate state.  The movement garnered national attention and a news bit was set to air on December 8, 1941.  But, we all know what happened on December 7th, 1941. Pearl Harbor happened and everyone’s focus turned to the war in progress.

The State of Jefferson was to include seven Southern Oregon Counties and the Northern Counties of Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Glenn, Butte, Plumas, Tehema, Trinity, Modoc, Shasta and Siskiyou Counties.  In the months to come, other eXpert, eXp Realty Realtors® will focus on their respective counties.

Today in Siskiyou County, remnants of the 51st State movement is still evident. Located about 6 miles South of Yreka, on Interstate 5, you will see the “State of Jefferson” Barn, many locals have bumper stickers referring to the State of Jefferson. Heck, even the Welcome to California Center, in Anderson has posters of the State of Jefferson!!!

Siskiyou, pronounced Sis Q, is the 5th largest county in the state with over 6,000 square miles of area, but out of the 58 counties in California, Siskiyou County is only ranked 44th in population; with about 44,000 people calling Siskiyou County home.

Siskiyou County is one of those “MUST SEE” counties. We have skiing, hiking, world-class fly-fishing streams, and museums.  OH, did I mention GOLD???  Yes, we have a beautiful Gold Nugget Display in Yreka, the county seat, inside the Siskiyou County Courthouse. Beautiful Siskiyou County, where if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes!!!

Siskiyou County is comprised of the following Cities:

• Yreka
• Dunsmuir
• Montague
• Mount Shasta
• Tulelake
• Weed
• Dorris
• Etna
• Fort Jones

Siskiyou County has 28 Unicorporated Towns, notably:

• Big Springs
• Callahan
• Edgewood
• Forks of Salmon
• Gazelle
• Grenada
• Happy Camp
• Hilt
• Hornbrook
• Klamath River
• Lake Shastina
• Macdoel
• McCloud
• Tennant

Over the days, weeks and months to come, I will be focusing on the individual cities, towns and areas of this great county….