In 1913, with the construction of the town and Westwood, along with the railroad construction crew rapidly approaching to Susanville, the camp followers of the day were not far behind. Out of this delegation were those sometimes referred to as the “ladies of the night.”

It did not take long for red-light district to form on the edge of Susanville’s then city limits. In this case, along the Susan River at Richmond Road, much to the dismay of the city. Once rail service, Susanville would experience an era of prosperity it had never seen before, but those ladies were a problem. The last thing the city desired was for its new visitors and investors to travel through a seedy section before they reached the town proper.  Not sure how to combat the problem, the city used the strategy, out of sight, out of mind. In doing so, they would create a new street, later named Carroll, and a new even seedier district, but it was out of public sight.

By 1920 not only had two large lumber manufacturing firms located in Susanville, bringing a huge population surge, it also happen to coincide with prohibition. This district along the river took on the distinction of Slippery Gulch, for the vices provided in this neighborhood.  However, it was impossible to confine bootleg joints and houses of prostitution to one small area.  It was also more than law enforcement and the district attorney could handle. However, during election time, witnessed a major crack down, then after November, things went back to normal.

Never miss a story, click here.