LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Sunday marks the 151st anniversary of the creation of Lake County, and brings the yearlong sesquicentennial celebration to an official end.
On May 20, 1861, California Governor John D. Downey signed an Act of Incorporation into law that formed Lake County, which had been carved from Napa County's northern section.
When the county was created, Abraham Lincoln was president and the Civil War was about to begin.
The first county election to organize the local government was held on the first Monday in June 1861, according to county histories.
On May 20, 2011, a celebration kicking off the sesquicentennial was held in downtown Lakeport, featuring a number of local dignitaries.
Video of that event can be found at http://www.youtube.com/user/velocityvideo .
For a great assortment of stories and videos about Lake County's history, visit www.LC150.org or www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Lake-County-Sesquicentennial/171845856177015 .