Kelseyville, CA: The Town Named After A Notorious, Brutal Man Who Enslaved And Murdered The Pomo
One of the most well-known and tragic events in Northern California's history is called Bloody Island Massacre. It occurred on May 15, 1850 on an island in Clear Lake in the County Of Lake. Nearly 500 Pomo Indians were reportedly murdered by Andrew Kelsey's relatives, his business partners, and the army. Andrew Kelsey kidnapped, enslaved, raped, beat, and murdered Pomo Indians after purchasing a cattle ranch in Lake County, CA in 1847. Andrew Kelsey starved the Pomo families that he had enslaved and was eventually killed by Pomo warriors after the brutal rape of Chief Augustine's wife. The warriors then slaughtered a cow and took it home to their families, then the Bloody Island Massacre ensued. To this very day, Lake County, CA honors Andrew Kelsey by naming the town of Kelseyville after him. There is a small stone monument near Bloody Island explaining the history of it; the murder of an entire Pomo community, including babies. By signing this petition, you will put an end to honoring Andrew Kelsey by naming a town after him since 1882. Let us honor the Pomo who died and those who live by making this change. Thank you for your time.
Lake County, CA District 5 Supervisor Rob Brown,
We the undersigned are asking that the name of the town Kelseyville be changed to something that honors the Pomo who were enslaved, tortured, and murdered by Andrew Kelsey. This change would be very much appreciated and would be a huge victory for the largely multi-cultural community that is Kelseyville. The continuance of attaching the town of Kelseyville, by name, to Andrew Kelsey is a stain on the face of a beautiful town. Thank you for your time.
