The Surprise Valley Trading post was originally established in 1865 by William T. Cressler and John H. Bonner. Located In the Surprise Valley in Northeastern California, The business thrived as thousands of emigrants passed through this area heading toward Cedar Pass and ultimately to Alturas during the Gold Rush. Cressler and Bonner played a major roll in the settlement and development of Surprise Valley and Modoc County. The original trading post stands as the oldest structure in Modoc County, California to date. Although the trading post hasn't been operated since the 1900s, we recognized the growing interest across the country for simpler living and decided to honor the old trading post by using its namesake and eventually establishing a brick and mortar location in the Surprise Valley! until then, Please enjoy all that we have to offer in our online store.