The Payette River and some of its tributaries serve Gem County from border to border. An abundance of water, a mild climate with protected valley floors, and natural vegetation beckoned to those on Placerville's Umatilla Trail. Having reached the ocean, many of those who had not found their utopia were on the move again, looking with an experienced eye for a place to settle with their families. These valleys had blessed the Shoshoni Indians, as well as the fur trappers and enterprising people providing services to early travelers. As communities progressed, the timber industry, railroads, highways, agriculture, horticulture, and ranching matured to meet demand. This growth, with only occasional setbacks, is documented by this collection of photographs.
Author Julianne Rekow Peterson was born and raised in Emmett, which was home to her parents and grandparents and her husband's family. After being gone for 40 years, she and her husband have returned the valley to enjoy the mild climate, rich soil, abundant water, pastoral setting, and a return to their family roots. Peterson serves as a volunteer to the Gem County Historical Society and Museum, which has provided the images for this volume.