Crime Scene and Trauma Cleanup in Middletown, CA

Middletown is a census-designated place in Lake County that earned its name because it sits halfway between Lower Lake and Calistoga, which lies about 17 miles to the south.

Middletown began as 'Middle Station,' a halfway stop on the stagecoach route over Mount St. Helena; the first house was built by J. H. Berry in 1870 and the town itself began in 1871.

The community's post office opened in 1871 under the name Middleton and changed to Middletown in 1875.

Middletown enjoyed a robust quicksilver (mercury) mining industry through the end of the 19th century, anchored by mines such as the Great Western Quicksilver Mine, which produced mercury from 1873 to 1909.

A resort economy grew up around Middletown's natural springs, and Harbin Hot Springs, the well-known retreat center northwest of town, remains one of its signature attractions.

On September 12, 2015, the fast-moving Valley Fire destroyed about half of Middletown, including city blocks, commercial buildings, and an apartment complex.

Middletown's population fell from 1,323 at the 2010 census to 1,114 at the 2020 census, a decline tied to the Valley Fire's destruction.

The 2020 census counted 472 housing units in Middletown, of which 426 were occupied, and about 62% of occupied homes were owner-occupied.

The Middletown Rancheria, home to Pomo, Lake Miwok, Wappo, and Wintu people and the Twin Pine Casino, sits just south of town.

Middletown is known as the 'Gateway to Lake County' and is served by the Middletown Unified School District.