Original inhabitants were the Zayante Indians who foraged for berries, nuts, roots, and seeds. Early Spanish explorers sought to change the Indian culture to be more agricultural and the Mission was built in 1791. After the end of the Mission era, the land was given out to some individuals as Mexican Ranchos. Early pioneers to the area worked the timber and shingle making industries. Later lime was discovered and Felton was providing over half the state’s lime by 1851. Lime was processed until 1925 when the timber for the kilns had been removed and other larger areas for lime production were used. Aspects of this history are still visible in Fall Creek Park including, the kilns, the barrel mill site for making barrels for transport and some of the original foundations for the worker’s homes. Henry Cowell became the primary owner of the Lime Kiln operations in Felton and he eventually deeded the property to the State for the creation of a new park.