The Lassen Monuments located some six miles south of Susanville at the base of Diamond Mountain marked the finally resting place of Peter Lassen who died in 1859. As the story is told, this is where Lassen first camped in the Honey Lake Valley beneath a stately Ponderosa pine tree. In 1862, a monument was placed on his gravesite.
For those familiar with the site, it is a idyllic setting with a pine grove overlooking an expansive grassy meadow. By the mid-1870s, the place became a popular summer picnic spot.
Fast forward to September 1917, after the dedication of the second Lassen Monument, Robert M. Cook, editor and publisher of the Lassen Weekly Mail wrote in his column that more was needed to be done with the new monument: “The location is of one scenic beauty and it is hoped that it ca be made an official cemetery and thus secure the care of the county in keeping the grounds in first-class condition. There is no fund at present for this purpose and it will be a shame to allow the beautiful stone that has been erected to become the center of unkept and neglected grounds.”
In the 1920s, a movement was started to purchase this property and establish it as a public monument. In 1925, according to newspaper reports, that mission was accomplished when it was revealed that the Hulsman family, owners of the property, donated a small parcel to local Masonic lodge (Lassen Lodge F.&A.M..). This was a bit premature, for no deed was either prepared or more importantly recorded. Finally, on April 23, 1952, Hannah F. Hulsman deeded a one-acre plot to the Native Daughters of the Golden West, Susanville Parlor No. 243. Over the years the Native Daughters found it burdensome to maintain the property and subsequently on June 29, 1976 donated to Lassen Lodge & F.&A.M.. Over the years various community groups, such as Rotary have assisted the Masons with maintenance.