Like many California towns, Redding was founded by traders and explorers and was eventually put on the map by the Southern Pacific railroad company. Population waxed and waned through mining years and then boomed as building of the Shasta Dam commenced. The lumber industry followed and in the last 50 years, housing booms and transplants from the Bay Area and Southern California have developed the retail, medical and tourism sectors. Visitors to the area enjoy swimming and boating on Whiskeytown and Shasta Lakes and tour the Shasta Dam, which was ranked one of the great feats in engineering when it was built. The Sundial Bridge is a world-famous pedestrian span over the Sacramento River and connects with the Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Renovations have made the historical Cascade Theatre a cultural epicenter featuring films, dance, lectures, and concerts. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mt. Shasta offer hiking, snow sports and camping. Every April thousands of classic cars and their fans descend on Redding for Kool April Nites and Redding is a favorite meeting spot for a variety of other events and groups.