Chapter History

The Major Pierson B. Reading Chapter, NSDAR, was organized on March 2, 1946, by Gertrude Bell Steger and 28 others. There were 48 charter members. Our chapter was named after Major Pierson B. Reading, who received the first land grant in 1848, then a Mexican Territory and was the first American of European descent to settle permanently in the area. His adobe was the first county seat of the newly created Shasta County, 1850.

Photos courtesy of Shasta Historical Society.

We are a small but steady chapter of nearly 60 active members, plus several associate members, including descendants of our chapter namesake, Pierson Barton Reading. We provide programs to our members and participate in various local activities promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism.