Called the Queen City of California’s northern mining district, the Shasta Ghost Town was once a bustling town from the 1850s through the 1880s. An important commercial center and social community for northern California, the town began in 1848 when Pierson Reading discovered gold in nearby Clear Creek. As word of the strike spread a mining camp of tents and lean-tos became the town of Reading Springs. It wasn't long before houses, stores, hotels, barbershops and saloons took the place of temporary shelters. By 1850 the town was renamed Shasta. In just a few years more than $2.5 million in gold had been uncovered. Consecutive fires in 1852 and 1853 destroyed most of the buildings on Main Street. Today, it's easy to understand the reason that the majority of buildings in Shasta State Historical Park were rebuilt using brick.
   Six miles west of Redding, California Highway 299 passes through the center of Shasta. While some establishments here are original, a few have been restored or recreated. Visitors are invited to stroll along the boardwalks and see what it was like to shop in the Litsch General Merchandise Store during the mid 19th century. Some of other building are pretty much gutted and only the brick shell remains. Guided tours during the summer and fall include the Courthouse Museum, the Litsch General Store, and a historic cemetery. Park-goes are asked to avoid climbing on ruins and use caution when crossing the highway. Restrooms and picnic area are located in a park-like setting adjacent to the Courthouse Museum.

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