Camp Grant, California facts for kids
Camp Grant was once a small settlement, now known as a ghost town, located in Humboldt County, California. It sits along the South Fork Eel River, about 2 miles (3 km) northeast of Weott and 3 miles (5 km) east of Dyerville. The area was first home to the Northern Sinkyone people. Later, it became a Union Army camp during the American Civil War. After the war, it supported logging and railroad construction for the Northwestern Pacific Railroad.
History of Camp Grant
The land around Camp Grant was originally the home of the Northern Sinkyone people. Their main village, called IlhtcuntaHduñ, was a few miles downstream. It was located where Bull Creek meets the Eel River, a place later known as Dyerville.
In the early 1850s, a group of explorers led by Josiah Gregg passed through this area. They were trying to find their way back to San Francisco. These explorers used the local trails that the Sinkyone people had used for a long time.
Soon after, many Euro-American settlers began moving into the area. They traveled north on difficult trails, including the one over Island Mountain. This increase in people put a strain on the land's resources. It led to disagreements and a lack of food for the Sinkyone people.
In 1851, an expedition led by Indian Agent Redick McKee encouraged more settlers to claim land. The Native American groups resisted these new claims. This led to more conflicts. Groups like the Volunteer Company of Dragoons were formed, and fighting continued for many years.
The Bald Hills War
The Bald Hills War was a conflict against local Native American groups. It took place during the American Civil War. Camp Grant was set up on the Eel River in October 1863. It was about 3 miles (5 km) east of where the South Fork of the Eel River meets Bull Creek.
Captain John Y. Simpson commanded Camp Grant. His group, Company E of the 1st Battalion of Mountaineers, California Volunteers, was stationed there. Captain Simpson and his company were involved in several small battles. These included skirmishes at Grouse Creek, Matole, and Big Flat in May 1864. They also went on an expedition to the North Fork Eel River in September 1864.
During these actions, they captured 166 Native Americans who were involved in the conflict. These individuals were sent to the Round Valley Reservation in 1864. The Bald Hills War ended in August 1864. Company E was then released from service in June 1865. Camp Grant was closed down shortly after this.
Camp Grant Becomes a Settlement
Even after the army left, the location remained a small settlement. A post office operated at Camp Grant from 1868 until 1895. In the 1900s, many private landowners in the area sold their property. Much of this land became part of the Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Today, the area where Camp Grant once stood is considered part of Weott.
