Cooper's Sawmill
Cooper's Sawmill is a California Historical Landmark located almost two miles north of Forestville, California, and is located in the jurisdiction of Santa Rosa, in the United States. It was the site of the first power-operated sawmill used for commercial purposes in California.History
Cooper's Sawmill was built in 1834 by John B. R. Cooper. It was located on Rancho El Molino. Cooper built the mill approximately two years before his Rancho El Molino land grant was authorized. Upon completion, it became the first water power-operated sawmill used for commercial purposes in the state of California. Redwood lumber was the primary wood used at the sawmill. Its power came from Mark West Creek. In early 1841, the sawmill was destroyed by a flood.On November 3, 1969, Cooper's Sawmill was designated a California Historical Landmark.
