 In 1871 a brick courthouse (now the Museum) was completed. It was two stories high and measured 66-by-44 feet. In October 1970 it became the first courthouse in California to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was dedicated and opened as the county Museum in 1978, 10 years after a new courthouse had been erected. Thousands of stone tools and more than 30 baskets from Lake County have been acquired by the Museum since the 1930s. A detailed exhibit about basketmaking includes photographs of weavers with their baskets. Extensive collections of stone tolls found in Lake County are on display at the Museum. They include arrowheads and ax heads of various sizes, mortars and pestles, milling slabs, and a stone plow. Pioneer costumes and and exhibits about the first settlers are found throughout the Museum. A display of firearms features 15 rifles and seven pistols dating from the early 1800s through the the early 1900s. A small book store in the exhibit hall features books that reflect the history of Lake County and surrounding areas. Jewelry made by local Indians and sold at the Museum includes earrings, decorative hair combs, belts, rings, and bracelets. The Museum houses a research library containing historical photographs dating to the mid-1800s. Also, the surrounding area has several historical landmarks that visitors might like to see in order to get a better understanding of the areas rich historical background.
California Historical Lankmarks
- STONE 7 KELSEY HOME, #426 - Main Street, Kelseyville
- BLOODY ISLAND BATTLE, #427 - 2 miles east of Upper Lake on Hwy 20
- SULPHUR BANK MINE, #428 - 1.5 miles south of Clearlake Oaks
- LOWER LAKE STONE JAIL, #429 - Main Street, Lower Lake
- STONE HOUSE, #450 - 5 miles norht of Middletown on Hwy 29
- TOLL ROAD & BULL TRAIL, #467 - 1/4 miles south of Middletown
- HISTORIC COURTHOUSE, #897 - 255 N. Main Street, Lakeport
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Lake County Museum
RealtorGuy (707) 391-7757 / (800) 279-0507 ext.15 
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