Cooper's Sawmill is a California Historical Landmark located almost two miles north of Forestville, California, and is located in the jurisdiction of Santa Rosa, in the United States. It was the site of the first power-operated sawmill used for commercial purposes in California. History Cooper's Sawmill was built in 1834 by John B. R. Cooper. It was located on Rancho El Molino. Cooper built the mill approximately two years before he received a grant to Rancho El Molino. It became the first water power-operated sawmill used for commercial purposes in the state of California. Redwood lumber was the primary wood used at the sawmill. Its power came from Mark West Creek. In early 1841, the sawmill was destroyed by a flood. California Historical Landmark On November 3, 1969, Cooper's Sawmill was designated a California Historical Landmark. References California Historical Landmarks History of Santa Rosa, California Buildings and structures in Santa Rosa, California Sawmills in the United States 1834 establishments in Alta California