While many have heard or read about tales of someone buying property sight unseen, the practice has been going on longer than I thought. The first such recorded occurrence in the region took place in 1860, involving the estate of Peter Lassen. In 1857, Peter Lassen purchased R.J. Scott’s claim on the west side of Honey Lake, some twenty-five miles from Susanville. After Lassen’s death in 1859, this property became part of his estate. In 1860, two miners from Rich Bar, Plumas County purchased the property, thinking they were buying Lassen’s original ranch south of Susanville where he was buried. When they finally came to inspect their purchase, they discovered the purchase was for Lassen’s other holding on the west side of Honey Lake. Though somewhat disappointed, they embarked on developing their new acquisition, which became the founding of Milford.