Look back at Mount Shasta’s history and look ahead to future projects and leadership opportunities in this year’s final edition of the Mount Shasta Newsletter
2025 marked the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Mount Shasta. As our hundredth year draws to a close, we’re taking a look back at the City’s founding.
Some archeologists believe that indigenous peoples have inhabited the Mount Shasta region for as long as 9,000 years. The Mountain marks the corner territorial boundary between the Shasta, Modoc, Ajumawi/Atsuwegi, and Wintu peoples, who remain in the region to this day and feature the mountain in myths and legends.
The first recorded siting of Mount Shasta by settlers is believed to have occurred in 1817 during the Expedition on the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, but Mount Shasta would not gain its present name until the Wilkes Expedition 24 years later.
The mountain’s natural beauty soon attracted famous visitors, including conservationist John Muir, who is credited with the establishment of the National Parks System, and 26th president Theodore Roosevelt, who wrote in 1908, “I consider the evening twilight on Mount Shasta one of the grandest sights I have ever witnessed.”
The City of Mount Shasta has been known by several names: in the pioneer days, it was known as Strawberry Valley, a popular name amongst California cities at the time. When the town later applied to receive a post office, Strawberry Valley was required to change its name to avoid confusion, and the name Berryvale was chosen.
Following Justin Hinckley Sisson’s work to bring the railroad to the area in the 1880’s, the town was renamed to Sisson, and finally, in 1924, a measure to rename the town to Mount Shasta passed by a narrow margin. The City of Mount Shasta was incorporated the following year in 1925.
To learn more about local history, including Mount Shasta’s geological formation, the establishment of the railroad, Mount Shasta’s legacy of mountaineering, and the region’s indigenous art, visit the volunteer-operated Mount Shasta Sisson Museum.
Be A Leader In 2026
The New Year is bringing new leadership opportunities for the civically-minded Mount Shastan. Whether you’re looking to fill a specific need in your neighborhood, or just looking for a fun, challenging way to serve your community, Mount Shasta’s many volunteer committees have something for everybody. Keep reading to find the right fit for you.
| Join The Downtown Enhancement Advisory CommitteeThe Downtown Enhancement Advisory Committee (DEAC) exists to promote retail activities and public events in the downtown area, and to advise the City Council on matters relating to the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of new parking facilities. The ideal DEAC candidate:Has business or entrepreneurial experienceHas excellent organizational skillsIs passionate about bringing economic growth to Mount Shasta Applicants must have a business within the downtown district and pay taxes pursuant to the Municipal Code. The Downtown Enhancement Advisory Committee meets at 8:00am on the last Wednesday of each month. |
| Join The Downtown Enhancement Advisory Committee |
| Join The Beautification CommitteeThe Beautification Committee exists to enhance the City’s visual quality and general ambience, helping local businesses to thrive. The ideal Beautification Committee candidate:Has expertise in landscaping or designHas a vision for physical improvements to the downtown areaIs an enthusiastic collaborator Applicants must reside either within city limits or within Mount Shasta’s sphere of influence. The Beautification Committee meets at 4:30pm on the second Wednesday of each month. |
| Join The Beautification Committee |
| Join The Planning CommissionThe Planning Commission exists to advise the Council in matters relating to the City’s housing, General Plan, zoning, and long-term goals. The ideal candidate:Wants to improve economic development and quality of life and to protect property valuesSeeks to reduce environmental damage and conserve resourcesMakes decisions based on the merits of the issuesIs collaborative and seeks consensus While the Planning Commission reserves seats for those residing both within and outside of the City of Mount Shasta, applicants for the current vacancy must reside within City limits. Beginning May 20th, the Planning Commission will meet at 5:30pm on the third Tuesday of each month. |
| Join The Planning Commission |
Our mailing address is:
City of Mount Shasta 305 N Mount Shasta Blvd Mount Shasta, CA 96067-2231 USA
source: The City of Mount Shasta
