The headwaters of the San Lorenzo River are just 15 miles from the city of San Jose and just 15 miles from the city of Santa Cruz, both thriving towns during the Mission period. Even so, a steep canyon, an almost impenetrable forest, and formidable grizzly bears ensured that these headwaters remained unexploited by Westerners until the 1880s. Once the rich natural resources such as vast forests of redwood lumber, lime deposits, and tan oaks were discovered, this virgin landscape was pillaged and plundered. A few enlightened individuals understood that the clear-cutting techniques of the lumber companies would soon result in the total loss of this natural wonder. Their endeavors resulted in the founding of California's first state park at Big Basin, saving this precious resource for future generations.

Author Lisa Robinson is the volunteer collections manager at the San Lorenzo Valley Museum and is the president of the local historical society, which owns and operates the museum. In writing this book, Lisa hopes to further the museum's mission of preserving and sharing the history of the San Lorenzo Valley. Most of the images presented in this book are from the San Lorenzo Valley Museum Collection.