In 1849 Cottonwood was known as a stop over for supplies and a bite to eat before heading north to the Gold fields or through the mountains into the Oregon Territory. Cottonwood became a major shipping point of cattle, lumber and other agricultural products from the fertile lands along the Sacramento River and Cottonwood Creek when rail lines were laid in 1872. By the 1920's Cottonwood had it's own bank, four general merchandise stores, a well known hotel and several bars and eating establishments.
Slowly, but significantly during the 1950's and 1960's Cottonwood began to grow as a residential community and by 1970 the citizens of Cottonwood started to look back to their heritage. The old store fronts along Front Street were looked at as something to preserve and maintain. Main Street today wears the efforts of the community to preserve the historic atmosphere. Route 99 which has been designated as a historical route runs through the center of town.
Cottonwood is unique in that it encompasses two counties -- Shasta and Tehama. Historical downtown Cottonwood lies on the north bank of Cottonwood Creek. From Cottonwood, one can look north to Mt. Shasta, east to Mt. Lassen -- the only active volcano in the 48 adjacent states, west to the Coastal Range and south over the rolling range land of the upper Sacramento Valley.
Cottonwood residents are proud of the school system they have built. In Cottonwood, four schools provide the primary educational development of students. Cottonwood's elementary schools boast their superior scholastic achievement as well as their excellent music and athletic programs. West Valley High School, six miles west provides secondary education as does Red Bluff High School. Fifteen miles north is Shasta Community College as well as private four year Simpson College with Chico State University nearby.
The Cottonwood area offers many advantages to new industries. There are many low cost industrial sites on good highways and railway spur lines. The area has abundant water, electricity, natural gas and good transportation. Part of the Cottonwood area is located in the "Enterprise Zone".
Clean, smog-free days are the rule, not an occasion; the seasons bring a pleasant change to the visual panorama that surrounds Cottonwood. An occasional snowfall in winter and the dry, hot summers provide the main ingredients for a healthy living environment. Geographically located at the north end of the Sacramento Valley, you are within an hour of all the major recreational facilities in Northern California.
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