Fort Humboldt State Historic Park

How to get there: Located on the south side of Eureka just off Highway 101 on a grassy bluff overlooking Humboldt Bay and the Bayshore Mall. East on Highland Ave. one block. For information call (707) 445-6567.

Located on a grassy bluff overlooking Humboldt Bay, this old military post was established in 1853 to assist in conflict resolution between the Native Americans and gold hungry settlers. Brevet Lt. Colonel Robert C. Buchanan was first assigned to protect settlers on Humboldt Bay. His orders were to establish a post in the vicinity of Uniontown. Ulysses S. Grant was commander of the fort for four months. At its heyday, the fort had 14 buildings, all of crude plank construction, though most were plastered inside. Most original buildings are gone, but the hospital and surgeon's quarters have been reconstructed. The fort was abandoned in 1870.

In 1955, Fort Humboldt State Historic Park was established. Long range plans call for the reconstruction of other buildings that would return the fort to its original appearance. The park includes a collection of historic logging equipment including the Dolbeer type steam donkey called "Lucy," the Bear Harbor Lumber Co. Gypsy Locomotive #1 and the Elk River Mill and Lumber Co. #1 "Falk" locomotive.

Fort Humboldt State Historic Park in a nutshell:

Visitation: 25,000/year.
Location/Directions: in Eureka, California just off Highway 101 via Highland Ave. one block.
Address: 3431 Fort Ave. Eureka, CA 95503
Telephone: (707) 445-6567
Operating hours/seasons: Open all year 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Reconstructed hospital building open summer 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., other months by arrangement. Logging exhibits 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. all year.
Climate/recommended clothing: Coastal/temperate. Summer 50-60. Morning & evening fog is common. Winter 40-50 with 35 inches of annual rainfall occurring mostly Nov.-May.
Travel Directions: South side of Eureka just off Highway 101 on a grassy bluff overlooking Humboldt Bay and the Bayshore Mall. East on Highland Ave. one block.
Fees/costs/rates: None.
Transportation (to the park/in the park): Greyhound Bus line has a terminal in Eureka. Humboldt Transit bus stops on Highway 101 adjacent to Fort Humboldt. No transportation in park needed. Park is flat and very walkable.
Facilities: Historic reconstruction of buildings, grassy bluff, picnic tables, logging machinery displays, visitor center with exhibits & bookstore, rest rooms.
Reservations/permits: N/A
Basic visit recommendations: Visit hospital building with exhibits that explain fort operation and history. Allow additional time to walk through outdoor exhibits and historic logging equipment including steam donkeys, locomotives, etc.
Special events/programs: Monthly logging equipment "Steam Up" of historic logging equipment the 3rd Saturday monthly May-Sept., Dolbeer Donkey Days (2 day event) in April featuring logging equipment in operation and logging skills competition, Fort Humboldt Days-annual event in August where examples of military camp life, period domestic arts and crafts. hand weapons, blacksmithing, period dress and demonstrations. Junior Ranger programs (ages 7-12) during summer season.
Visitor impacts: Low use park. Generally able to stroll leisurely through displays without interruption.
Adjacent visitor attractions: Old town Eureka, harbor and Clarke Museum, Azalea State Reserve, Little River State Beach, Patrick's Point State Park to the north. Victorian village of Ferndale, Humboldt Redwoods State Park and Avenue of the Giants, Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park to the south.


Additional North Coast Redwoods District State Parks links:

[Azalea State Reserve]
[Benbow Lake State Recreation Area]
[Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park]
[Fort Humboldt State Historic Park]
[Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park]
[Standish - Hickey State Recreation Area]
[Humboldt Redwoods State Park]
[Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park]
[Humboldt Lagoons State Park]
[Lake Earl State Park]
[Patrick's Point State Park]
[Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park]
[Richardson Grove State Park]
[Sinkyone Wilderness State Park]
[Trinidad State Beach]


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http://www.northcoast.com/~hrsp/fort.html
Revised: 22 September 1997
Copyright © 1997 Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Association
hrsp@northcoast.com


California