Roop's Fort: then and now

1939 vs 2013 · Northern Sierra, CA

NowThen

Then, 1939A black-and-white survey photo of the log building, listed by the survey as Fort Defiance, Susanville. The 1939 date is when the survey folder was taken, not necessarily when this frame was shot.Photo: Historic American Buildings Survey (photographer not named) · Public domain · Source · resized

Today, 2013The same kind of log building with a green roof, standing in a yard with old trees.Photo: Finetooth · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source · resized

The story

Isaac Roop built this log building in 1854 in what is now Susanville. It was first called Roop House and served as a stopping place for emigrant wagon trains. Wikipedia calls it the first building built by white settlers in Lassen County.

In 1861 the area was organized as the Nataqua Territory, with its capitol in this building, and it was then incorporated as Roop County, named for Isaac Roop.

In 1863 California and Nevada both claimed the Susanville area, and Nevadans used the fort during what became known as the Sagebrush War. California's claim won out, and the area became part of Lassen County in 1864. The fort is on the National Register of Historic Places (added May 2, 1974) and is California Historical Landmark No. 76.

Did you know? The building is also known as Fort Defiance, Roop House and Roop's Trading Post.

Historians argue about this. Sources disagree on two things. The month the fort was built is June 1854 in one account and July 1854 in the state citation. The Sagebrush War is described as California against Nevada by Wikipedia, as a fight between citizens of Plumas and Lassen Counties on the state plaque, and as starting when Plumas County officials issued arrest warrants in 1863 in a Lassen Historical Museum account. This app does not pick between them. The fort is part of the Lassen Historical Museum, so check its hours before you go.

Fact or tall tale?

SolidRoop's Fort is on the National Register of Historic Places, added May 2, 1974.
Wikipedia lists it on the National Register (reference 74000516), added May 2, 1974.
DisputedThe Sagebrush War of 1863 was a fight between California and Nevada.
Wikipedia describes a California and Nevada dispute, but the state plaque names citizens of Plumas and Lassen Counties, and a museum account says it began when Plumas County officials issued arrest warrants. Sources differ.

Sources

More: Look for historic photos at the Library of Congress

Stamp it in person

Go there, answer the question that only someone standing at Roop's Fort can answer, and add the stamp to your passport. Free, no sign-up.

Play Northern Sierra

More in Northern Sierra

Next: Sierra County Courthouse and Gallows. Written from the cited sources, not yet walked on site unless noted.