Some of the first pioneer families of the Van Duzen Valley were the Cooper family, the Cuddebacks, the Hoovers, the Donnellys, the Wilsons, the Larsens, the Barnwells, and later the Vances.

The Vances built a summer home, the railroad, hotel, store, blacksmith ship, livery stable and small houses. This area became the nucleus of Carlotta. The town was named for Vance's daughter, Carlotta.