Isleton’s Historic Old Town

During the gold rush period of 1849, Isleton was a sea of swaying tules and peat bogs. Chinese immigrants lured to California for gold remained to undertake the hand labor of dredging and constructing levees. When the water was pumped out, these islands were formed, creating what Isleton residents call home. In 1874, Dr. Josiah Poole founded the town and built a wharf the following year, giving Isleton access to the outside world and beginning farming. Chinese settlers in the town were later joined by Japanese immigrants. Their original homes on Jackson Slough Road, south of the present historical district, were destroyed by fire in 1915. The town was rebuilt at the present location, burned again in 1926, and was rebuilt once more with metal exterior siding as a fire precaution. The community continues with the restoration of these old buildings, reflecting their original heritage.

Isleton, California · United States