The early inhabitants of Plumas County were the Maidu Indians. They were a non-aggressive people who existed by hunting, fishing, and gathering berries, grasses, seeds and acorns. In the Maidu language, Maidu means “man” or “people.” The Maidu as a the Chico area to the top of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

The lives of the Maidu Indians was forever changed in the spring of 1850, after the discovery of gold in 1848 there was a flood of gold-seeking miners poured into the canyons and valleys of the region. Quickly mining camps were established throughout the region, a sizable Chinese population took up residence to assist in the mining operations.

Soon after the turn of the century, and with the completion of the Western Pacific Railroad in 1910, Portola became an important railroad center. The timber industry began to emerge as the primary economic force in the county. Finished lumber prodcuts were shipped nationwide from Plumas forests and local sawmills. The timber industry has contributed to the ongoing growth and prosperity of Plumas County. The lumber industry is now a major component of the local economy.