Hopitsewah, California facts for kids

Hopitsewah, also known as Sacred Town, was once a large village of the Pomo people. It was located in Lake County, California, near the western side of Upper Lake. Today, its exact location is a mystery, making it a "lost" settlement.

What Was Hopitsewah?

Hopitsewah was a very important settlement for the Pomo, a group of Native American people. Its name, 'Sacred Town,' suggests it held special importance to them. This village was known for being one of the largest in the Clear Lake area. People lived there in organized ways, with lands that were farmed and enclosed.

Who Were the Pomo People?

The Pomo are Native American people who have lived in Northern California for thousands of years. They are known for their beautiful basket weaving and their deep connection to the land. The Pomo lived in many villages around the lakes and rivers of their territory. They gathered food, hunted, and fished, living in harmony with nature.

Where Was This Sacred Town?

Hopitsewah was situated on the west side of Upper Lake in Lake County. This area is part of the beautiful Clear Lake region. Even though it was a large village, its precise location is no longer known. Over time, the exact spot of the settlement was lost. This makes it a fascinating historical puzzle for researchers today.

A Visitor's Account

In the mid-1840s, an American named Joseph Warren Revere visited the area. Revere was a military officer and explorer. He wrote about his travels and observations. When he saw Hopitsewah, he reported that it was the largest of all the settlements around Clear Lake. He noted that the lands around the village were "enclosed and cultivated." This means the Pomo people had organized farms and fields. Revere's account gives us a rare glimpse into what Hopitsewah was like before its location became unknown.