Site information:

Near entrance to Reading Island Recreation Area, 213 Adobe Rd, 5.8 mi E of Cottonwood

Nothing remains of the site, and the plaque says it was destroyed in 1942.

40.391322, -122.200344

Plaque information:

Two state plaques

One at the site
40.391322, -122.200344

And one 7 miles away on Main St, north of the Bowman Rd exit (technically in Tehama County)
40.371296, -122.283751

Plaque at site text:

Site of Reading Adobe, Rancho Buena Ventura.

Home of Pierson Barton Reading (1816-1868) - California pioneer of 1843 - Major in Fremont's California Battalion, Mexican War of 1846, signer of capitulation of Cahuenga - discoverer of second major gold strike 1848 - Adobe built here 1847, designated seat of Shasta County government 1850-51, kitchen wing of Reading mansion 1854-1881, destroyed by vandals 1942 - best stock farm in California 1862 - Major Reading buried nearby.

Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Shasta Historical Society, May 18, 1968.

Main Street plaque text:

Reading Adobe

Built 1847 by Major Pierson Barton Reading who crossed the plains in 1843, and was granted Rancho Buena Ventura.  Most northern Mexican grant, 1844.  Site of first county seat, 1850, when Shasta included other counties.  Discovered gold at Clear Creek in March and at Reading Bar in July, 1848.

Department of Public Works - Division of Highways

Registered 6/1/1932