The livestock industry has always played prominent role in the region’s economy. However, with time, everything evolves, horses and sheep no longer play a prominent role as they did in the past.

Recently, I came across an interesting statistic. During World War I eight million horses perished in the variety of the conflicts—1.8 were German horses! A staggering figure. It was after all a transitory time, motorized equipment was still in its infancy stage. The Caterpillar tractor company made so many experimental changes during the war, that locally, after the war would revolutionize logging methods.

An interesting Lassen County landmark was constructed in Little Valley tucked away in the northwest section of Lassen County.  In 1916, R.L. “Bob” Johnson constructed what became known as the “Round Barn.” Johnson needed a structure where he could train horses during the winter months, as they were in great demand in World War I. Over the years, the elements, etc., took a toll on the building. By 2004, the Fort Crook Historical Society had started a movement to relocate the barn to their museum complex at Fall River Mills.  It was a slow process, but they succeeded, and is now restored to its glory.