The Pioneers first came to Mendocino County in 1830. The discovery of gold brought about radical change in the area that had remained undisturbed for centuries as the homeland of the native Pomo Indians. As people from all over the globe settled in the land of California in search of wealth the need to find new lands for agriculture and ranching became more and more urgent.
Among internal immigrants, Walter Anderson’s family from Missouri was destined to leave its indelible mark on Mendocino. Walter and Rhoda Anderson, arriving in 1845, saw new lands and new opportunities for their children. Within California itself the Andersons traveled a long way before finding the place they called home. It was Walter’s sons going hunting one day to discover a rock ledge at the top of a ridge. They were delighted to see a long valley extending to the northwest, surrounded by thick woods on the southwest side and grassy hills on the northeast. The young hunters went down to the valley floor and found plenty of meadow grass and water for the cattle. Deer, elk, bear and small wild animals roamed the surrounding valley and hills. They camped for several days, exploring and marveling at natural wonders that had perhaps never before been seen by white men. As soon as they were reunited with the rest of the family, they recounted their discovery. Within days, the Andersons were on their way to making that valley their home. That valley would later be known as Anderson Valley.
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