E. Franck & Co. Mercantile n French Gulch, a tiny settlement west of Redding, California, and near the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. French Gulch was founded by French miners in 1849 and became one of California's major gold producing areas. The town became a major supply place when it became the terminus of the western branch of the California Trail. French Gulch was registered as a California Historical Landmark in 1935.
Photo by Carol Highsmith.