At this site, the first Catholic mass in Colusa County was said in May 1856. In 1864, a Catholic mission was conducted and a large wooden cross was erected to commemorate the occasion. Masses, pilgrimages, and visits continued here thereafter. To preserve the identity of the place, Father Michael Wallrath secured a deed from Mrs. Anna Myers to this parcel of land and constructed a small shrine from hand kilned bricks in 1883.