The Lumber Era & Early Santa Cruz
Redwood Forests Power a New State (1850s–1900s) · Santa Cruz County
The gold rush created insatiable demand for lumber, and the redwood forests above Santa Cruz were among the richest timber sources in California. Dozens of mills operated in the Santa Cruz Mountains through the 1850s–1880s, making Santa Cruz County one of the wealthiest in the state. The railroad — and later the automobile — transformed what was a rugged industrial coast into a resort destination.
Timeline
County Founded
Santa Cruz County is one of California's original 27 counties, created when California achieved statehood. The county seat is the city of Santa Cruz, which incorporates in 1866.
Redwood Logging Boom
Dozens of lumber mills operate in the Santa Cruz Mountains, supplying San Francisco and the growing state with redwood for buildings, wharves, and railroads. The forests above Felton, Scotts Valley, and Boulder Creek are heavily logged. Some old-growth groves survive in what is now Henry Cowell and Big Basin Redwoods State Parks.
Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad
The Santa Cruz & Felton Railroad begins hauling logs from the mountains to the coast. The narrow-gauge line through the redwoods eventually becomes Roaring Camp Railroads — still operating today as one of the last narrow-gauge steam railroads in the U.S.
Visit these historical sites
Real places in our directory connected to The Lumber Era & Early Santa Cruz.
Related reading from our blog
- Monterey to Santa Cruz: A Full Day of Beaches, Redwoods, and Boardwalk Fun
Discover the ultimate day trip from Monterey to Santa Cruz, filled with stunning beaches, majestic redwoods, and thrilling boardwalk fun, perfect for all ages!
- Bay Area to Santa Cruz: Day Trip Itinerary for Beach, Boardwalk, and Beyond
Discover the ultimate day trip itinerary from the Bay Area to Santa Cruz! Explore stunning beaches, the iconic boardwalk, and hidden gems along the way.
- Surfing in Santa Cruz: A Guide to the Best Breaks for Every Level
Discover the best surfing spots in Santa Cruz, from beginner-friendly breaks to expert-level waves. This guide covers all you need to know for an epic surf adventure!
- Santa Cruz Taquerias: The Best Authentic Mexican Food on the Central Coast
Discover the vibrant taquerias of Santa Cruz, offering authentic Mexican flavors along the Central Coast. A must-try for food enthusiasts visiting Monterey Bay!