Iaqua, California facts for kids
Iaqua (also spelled Jaqua) was once a small community in Humboldt County, California. It was located about 5.5 miles (8.8 kilometers) south of a place called Kneeland. Today, Iaqua is considered a "former settlement," meaning it was once an active town but is no longer populated.
What Was Iaqua?
Iaqua was a small but important spot in Humboldt County many years ago. Like many early settlements in California, it grew around key services and activities. Even though it's not a town anymore, its history tells us about life in California during the 1800s and early 1900s.
Iaqua's Military Past
A military base called Camp Iaqua, also known as Fort Iaqua, was active near the settlement. This fort operated from August 5, 1863, until 1866. It was located on Yeager Creek, which is about 18 miles (29 kilometers) east of where the Eel River meets the ocean. The fort itself was about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) south-southeast of the main Iaqua settlement. Military posts like Fort Iaqua were important during that time for various reasons, often helping to keep peace or support travelers in remote areas.
Life in Iaqua: Post Office and School
Iaqua had its own post office, which is a sign that it was a functioning community. The post office first opened in 1880 under the name "Jaqua." Later that same year, its name was officially changed to "Iaqua." The post office closed in 1903, but it reopened in 1909 before closing for good in 1920.
Education was also important in Iaqua. A school was operating in the settlement as early as 1873. This school later joined with the Kneeland School, showing how communities sometimes combined resources as they grew or changed over time.
