Author lists some of the early pioneer families that arrived in the mid 1800s in settlements around the three creeks and further north than the current town center. In 1868, W.S. Rodger’s settled in the area and he would go on to start the town newspaper the Mountain Echo. Henry Middleton, settled in 1880 and brought the first power to the town with a water powered mill. At its height Boulder Creek had 25 lumber mills dotting the area as well as all the usual businesses that are needed to support a town such as a livery stable, mercantile, three hotels, a post office, and many saloons. Lumber was transported first by wagon, then flume, then train. Two partners Cress and Moody ran a transport service for freight and also a stagecoach to Big Basin for tourists. Later their livery stable became a gas station as cars became more prominent. Eventually, the lumber was tapped out and the area’s population fell and businesses closed. Boulder Creek began its next chapter as a tourist destination for those who wanted to enjoy the remaining redwood groves.