Modoc County is a county located in California's far northeast corner, bounded by Oregon to the north and Nevada to the east. As of 2000, its population was 9,449. Its population in 2002 was estimated at 9,289. The county seat is Alturas, the county's only incorporated city. MODOC COUNTY, California was created in February 17, 1874, from the eastern section of Siskiyou County. It was first purposed to name the new county "Canby" for General who lost his life in the Modoc Indian War. Later name "Summit" was suggested but there were many objections and it was finally named Modoc.

Modoc County is a land which the Indians called "The Smiles of God" and so intense was their love for this land of ragged lava plateaus, fertile valleys and towering mountains that many hundreds of these aboriginal inhabitants defended it to their death against the invasion of the white man. Because of those fierce Indian wars between 1848 and 1911, this area was once referred to as the Bloody Ground of the Pacific.

It was felt that the land which is now known as Modoc County, underwent more government changes in its time than any other county in the state. In the beginning, Modoc was a part of the Utah Territory, and then transferred into the Nevada Territory when it was created. When Nevada became a state, Modoc County was placed within the boundaries of California, becoming a part of Shasta County. Shasta County contained what is now Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, Lassen and Modoc counties. Shasta County was divided into two counties in 1852, Shasta and Siskiyou, with Modoc being placed in Siskiyou County.

In 1872, an effort was made by the residents of Surprise Valley, along with others who had settled in this area, to form a new county. On February 17, 1874, a bill was passed and signed by then Governor Newton Booth authorizing the formation of a new county -- Modoc.

An election was held on May 5, 1874, to elect county officials and to select a county seat. Lake City received the highest votes as to being the county seat; however, the county fathers decided to Make Dorris Bridge (now Alturas) the county seat, as it contained the majority of people. It was also felt that Dorris Bridge would serve the interests of the new county to better advantage than Lake City, as it was located at the crossroads of the main north-south and east-west routes.

Visit LostRiver.org - Story of the Modoc Indian War

Prayer Focus for Modoc County

The Unity in the Church would continue and increase, pastors and intercessors from many churches working together, interdenominational prayer meetings would continue and increase. Continued healings of body, soul, and spirit for the many in need of healing in the mountain areas.

The Tyranny of Abuse would be broken: especially sexual abuse, domestic violence and spiritual abuse. The Church would not be afraid to confront these things in the natural and in the spiritual and would take their place alongside the broken for justice in these areas.

Reconciliation between the Church and the First Nations people would continue and there would be a great Harvest as a result.

Repentance to go deeper: The repentance for all sin done by all people through the ages here would begin in the Church and create an atmosphere for a great Revival in the Mountain Regions.

A Breaking of Generational Poverty: There would be a breakthrough for many and a setting free of generational poverty.

Call forth Righteousness in the Justice System: Righteous judges, police departments, sheriff and other justice workers would rise up in the mountain areas and true justice would be restored.

Continued Prayer mobilization in all the cities. Pray for leaders' encouragement to pray and witness in the public square more and more.

Blessing upon the all industry and commerce for the fear of God to attend the tourism industry and for godly leaders in governmental offices.

Revival for the Churches and a Spiritual Awakening to Christ in the cities.

Decrease in unemployment and the creation of new jobs. Pray for a release of entrepreneurial energy that leads to the creation of new businesses that are sustainable

Pray for Christian marriages to be a witness of life in Christ. Pray for marriage to be affirmed and protected in this Counties’ Cities.

Passion for Prayer: Pray God will rise up prayer leaders in these counties.

Pray for God to break the power of witchcraft/occultism: Ask God to break the strongholds of occultism/witchcraft through a revelation of His love & salvation to those involved in occult practices, witchcraft, new age movement.

The History of Alturas

As the seat of Modoc County, Alturas (Spanish for "Valley on Top of a Mountain") lies in the broad valley of the Pit River, near the center of the county. Alturas was originally occupied by a branch of the Pit River or Achomawe Tribe of Native Americans before white men arrived. The village was knows as Kosealekte. The valley is a prehistoric lake bed which formed from alternating erosion and rebuilding of the volcamic flows of the Modoc Plateau which surrounds all but the northeast side of it. The northeast edge of the valley is at the foot of the Warner Mountains;, which is the most western range of the Nevada Basin, about ten miles east of town.

The city's limit is bordered on the south by the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, where natural wetlands have been preserved. A new vista point has been built along the highway a quarter mile from town to allow viewing deer, antelope, Sandhill Cranes, Canada Geese, and other inhabitants. Animals don't understand much about man's arbitrary boundaries and occasionally wander up Main Street. Until 1874, Alturas was knows as Dorris Bridge (named for James Dorris, the town's first white settler). He built a simple wooden bridge across the creek at the east end of town. He later erected a house that became a stopover for travelers and the beginning of Modoc County. The city is a marketing center for local ranchers who raise livestock, potatoes and alfalfa.
 

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