ORIGINS AND EARLY DAYS. Manton Valley, nestled at the base of Lassen Peek, is a region abundant in water and fisheries. Historically, the Yana people migrated through the area, drawn by its plentiful resources of water, acorns, and fish. The land, with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 feet, provided sustenance for the Yana until westward expansion disrupted their way of life. The Noble Emigrant Trail, which ran along the ridge above the town, brought settlers in search of gold. Though gold was never found, the valley’s true wealth lay in its timber and water, attracting mills and hydroelectric plants that eventually displaced the Yana people. The lumber industry built long flumes that carried logs to mills down at lower elevations. The photo above is of a picnicking party on the Last Chance Flume that was abandoned by the early 1900s.
THE ENERGY REVOLUTION. Between the late 1880s and 1910, Manton flourished as a homesteading hub with small schools, but after a power company was established to supply energy to nearby copper mines, tensions between homesteaders and industry led to violent confrontations, resulting in a decline in Manton’s population by 1919.
EDUCATION AND FAMILIES. The Manton Joint Unified School District was formed in 1921, consolidating local schools and serving as a community hub for decades. Despite challenges such as the closure of the Forward Brothers Mill in 1950 and wildfires driving many families away, the school remained active, with a new gym built in 1993. By the 2000s, the student population stabilized at 40 to 50, keeping the community connected. In 2014 the Antelope Elementary School District located 40 minutes away took over control of Manton's School along with two other rural mountain schools in the area. Their aim was to help keep them open, however, they systematically closed them all. In 2018, the Antelope Elementary School district board voted to shut down Manton’s only school, forcing our children to be bussed to neighboring towns.
A MODERN SPARK. In recent years, Manton has experienced a resurgence with new agricultural businesses, vineyards, and non-profits. In 2014, it was designated an American Viticultural Area (AVA), recognized for its ideal grape-growing conditions. Efforts like the Battle Creek Watershed Conservancy's work to restore salmon populations and the Manton Fire Safe Council's focus on fire prevention have further revitalized the town. The Manton Apple Festival continues to be our town’s signature event. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked renewed interest in homesteading, and in 2023, artist and entrepreneur Gerard Minakawa purchased Manton's General Store, beginning a cultural revitalization in the center of the community. Additionally, the non-profit Manton Parks purchased the former Manton School campus, turning into a home for education, arts, technology and community events.
THE ENERGY REVOLUTION. Between the late 1880s and 1910, Manton flourished as a homesteading hub with small schools, but after a power company was established to supply energy to nearby copper mines, tensions between homesteaders and industry led to violent confrontations, resulting in a decline in Manton’s population by 1919.
EDUCATION AND FAMILIES. The Manton Joint Unified School District was formed in 1921, consolidating local schools and serving as a community hub for decades. Despite challenges such as the closure of the Forward Brothers Mill in 1950 and wildfires driving many families away, the school remained active, with a new gym built in 1993. By the 2000s, the student population stabilized at 40 to 50, keeping the community connected. In 2014 the Antelope Elementary School District located 40 minutes away took over control of Manton's School along with two other rural mountain schools in the area. Their aim was to help keep them open, however, they systematically closed them all. In 2018, the Antelope Elementary School district board voted to shut down Manton’s only school, forcing our children to be bussed to neighboring towns.
A MODERN SPARK. In recent years, Manton has experienced a resurgence with new agricultural businesses, vineyards, and non-profits. In 2014, it was designated an American Viticultural Area (AVA), recognized for its ideal grape-growing conditions. Efforts like the Battle Creek Watershed Conservancy's work to restore salmon populations and the Manton Fire Safe Council's focus on fire prevention have further revitalized the town. The Manton Apple Festival continues to be our town’s signature event. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked renewed interest in homesteading, and in 2023, artist and entrepreneur Gerard Minakawa purchased Manton's General Store, beginning a cultural revitalization in the center of the community. Additionally, the non-profit Manton Parks purchased the former Manton School campus, turning into a home for education, arts, technology and community events.