Board designates Mount Lola triangulation remnants a Nevada County historical landmark

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution on Aug. 12 designating Mount Lola's late-19th-century geodetic-survey remnants as Nevada County historical landmark NEV 25-07.

Carissa Cyr, senior management analyst, introduced the nomination from the county Historical Landmarks Commission. Commission member Chuck Soumeika presented historical research describing George Davidson's triangulation observations made from Mount Lola in 1878 (observations reportedly visible to Mount Shasta and other distant peaks) and material remains on the summit including a stacked-stone pedestal and dry-stone walls.

Soumeika told the board the Mount Lola observations were part of a continental triangulation project that advanced geodetic mapping in the late 19th century; he described diary extracts and period photographs documenting the 169-mile heliotrope flashes between Mount Lola and Mount Shasta. Board members and commission members discussed access, the site's sensitivity and partners including the U.S. Forest Service, which was identified as the land manager and a project partner; the Forest Service indicated it did not want a plaque placed on the summit.

After public comment (none) the board moved to adopt the resolution; the roll-call vote was unanimous. County staff will record the landmark designation (NEV 25-07) and coordinate with the Historical Landmarks Commission and U.S. Forest Service on preservation guidance. The board thanked commission members for the research and the materials that will be included in the county's landmarks publication and interactive map.