After the discovery of gold in 1851, millions of dollars in gold were extracted along Humbug Creek and its tributaries, supporting prospectors, miners, and settlements including Frenchtown (Mowry’s Flat), Humbug, Humbug City, Riderville (Plugtown), and Freetown. The principal mines were Eliza, Mono, and McKinley. The Howlin Wilderness Saloon, immortalized by Joaquin Miller, was located here. The first State Militia in Siskiyou County was formed at Humbug City on Dec. 6, 1855, with 75 men commanded by Capt. William Martin.