Humboldt Military District facts for kids

The District of Humboldt was a special military area created by the United States Army during the American Civil War. It was set up on December 12, 1861, as part of a larger Army reorganization that formed the Department of the Pacific. This district covered a big area in Northern California, including the counties of Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Trinity, Humboldt, Klamath, and Del Norte.

The main office, or headquarters, for the District of Humboldt was at Fort Humboldt. This fort was located on a hill overlooking Humboldt Bay, just south of Eureka, California. Today, Fort Humboldt is a California State Historic Park. The district's main job was to manage the ongoing conflict known as the Bald Hills War. This was a series of battles between the US Army and Native American groups in the northern coastal areas of the district. A peace agreement was reached in August 1864.

Later, on July 27, 1865, a new and larger military group was formed called the Military Division of the Pacific. This new division included the Department of California and the Department of the Columbia. The District of Humboldt then became part of the Department of California.

Leaders of the District of Humboldt

The District of Humboldt had several commanders who were in charge of its operations during its time. Here are the officers who led the district:

• Colonel Francis J. Lippitt, from January 9, 1862, to July 13, 1863.
• Lieutenant Colonel Stephen G. Whipple, from July 13, 1863, to February 1864.
• Colonel Henry M. Black, from February 8, 1864, to June 1864.
• Lieutenant Colonel Stephen G. Whipple, who returned to lead from June 1864 to July 27, 1865.

Military Posts in the Humboldt District

During its existence, the District of Humboldt managed many military posts and camps across its large territory. These posts were important for housing soldiers and supporting military operations in the region. Here is a list of some of the key posts that were part of the Humboldt Military District: