Centerville, Humboldt County, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Centerville
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Former settlement
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Looking South along Centerville Beach
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 Centerville
Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Humboldt County |
| Elevation | 13 ft (4 m) |
Centerville was once a small town in Humboldt County, California. It was located right on the Pacific Ocean, about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) west of Ferndale. The town was only 13 feet (4 meters) above sea level.
Centerville was also known as Centerville City and Centerville Beach in the past. It was an important place for a while, especially in the mid-1800s.
Contents
What Was Centerville?
Centerville was founded in 1852. It became a busy spot for moving oil from Petrolia to Eureka. This was before cars and trucks were common! The town was most active from the 1850s to the 1870s.
Important People and Businesses
In 1857, a man named Arnold Berding arrived in Humboldt County. He was from Germany. Mr. Berding opened a store, a hotel, and a place to keep horses (a livery). He also became the town's first and only postmaster. This means he was in charge of the mail! Abraham Lincoln, who later became president, appointed him to this job.
A Shipwreck and a Memorial
In January 1860, a steamship called the Northerner crashed nearby. The people living in Centerville quickly helped the survivors. They gave them shelter and cared for them.
Sadly, some people did not survive the shipwreck. They were buried together in a large grave. A special marker, called the Centerville Beach Cross Historic Marker, was put up in 1921 to remember them.
This cross was damaged by earthquakes in 1992. But it was rebuilt and dedicated again to honor those lost at sea.
Centerville Today
Today, Centerville is no longer a town. However, Centerville Beach is managed as a park by Humboldt County. It is a place where people can visit and enjoy the beautiful coast.
