National Register of Historic Places listings in Humboldt County, California facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about old buildings or special places in your town? Many places in the United States are important because of their history, design, or what happened there. These places can be added to a special list called the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a hall of fame for historic sites!
This list helps protect these important spots. In Humboldt County, California, there are 55 places on this list. One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which is a super important place recognized by the whole country! Let's explore some of these amazing historic sites.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worth saving. It's part of a program by the United States government to help people appreciate and protect historic buildings, sites, and objects. When a place is on this list, it means it's special and tells an important part of our country's story.
Why are places listed?
Places are listed for many reasons. Maybe they are:
- Very old and show how people lived long ago.
- Designed in a unique or beautiful way.
- Connected to important events in history.
- Linked to famous people.
- Good examples of a certain type of building or style.
Being on the list can also help owners get grants or tax breaks to fix up and keep these historic places safe.
Historic Homes in Humboldt County
Humboldt County has many beautiful old houses on the National Register. These homes often show off amazing architectural styles from the past.
The Alford-Nielson House: A Moving Story
The Alford-Nielson House in Ferndale is a great example. Built in 1874, it's a French Second Empire style house. What's really cool is that it was moved from one street to another in 1893! Imagine moving a whole house!
The A. Berding House: Gum Drop Trees!
Also in Ferndale, the A. Berding House (built in 1875) is sometimes called "The Gum Drop Tree House." This is because of the row of perfectly trimmed cypress trees in front that look like giant gum drops! It's a fun nickname for a historic home.
The Shaw House: A Carpenter Gothic Gem
The Shaw House in Ferndale, built in 1866, is a beautiful example of Carpenter Gothic style. This means it has fancy wooden decorations that look like they were carved by hand. This house was very important because it also served as the town's post office and courthouse!
Important Buildings and Districts
Beyond individual homes, some larger buildings and even whole areas are recognized for their historical value.
Eureka's Old Town Historic District
In Eureka, the Eureka Historic District (also known as Old Town Eureka) is a large area with many historic buildings. It includes streets like First, Second, and Third Streets. This district shows off different styles like Victorian, Greek Revival, and Classical Revival. Walking through Old Town Eureka is like stepping back in time!
The Bank of Eureka Building: Now a Museum!
The Bank of Eureka Building, built in 1911, is a great example of Classic Revival architecture. Today, this historic building is home to the Clarke Historical Museum. It's a wonderful place to learn about the history of Humboldt County.
Carnegie Free Library: A Place for Books
The Carnegie Free Library in Eureka, built in 1903, was one of many libraries funded by Andrew Carnegie. These libraries were built all over the country to help people learn and read. Today, this building is the Morris Graves Museum of Art, still a place for learning and creativity!
Unique Historic Sites
Some places on the National Register are not just buildings, but unique sites that tell important stories.
Gunther Island Site 67: A National Historic Landmark
Gunther Island Site 67 (also known as Indian Island) in Humboldt Bay is a very important place. It's a National Historic Landmark, meaning it's recognized as having exceptional national importance. This island was a significant cultural site for the Wiyot people for thousands of years. It was also the location of a very sad event in 1860, which is an important part of understanding the history of the area.
Fernbridge: A Concrete Marvel
The Fernbridge is a huge concrete arch bridge built in 1911. It's over 1,320 feet (about 400 meters) long and crosses the Eel River. It was designed by a famous engineer named John B. Leonard. This bridge is a great example of early 20th-century engineering and is still used today!
Punta Gorda Light Station: The "Lost Coast" Lighthouse
The Punta Gorda Light Station, built in 1900, is a lighthouse located southwest of Petrolia. It's often called the "Lost Coast Lighthouse" because it's in a very remote and wild part of the California coast. Lighthouses like this were vital for guiding ships safely along the coastline.
Archaeological and Cultural Sites
Some listings protect ancient sites that teach us about the first people who lived in Humboldt County.
Bald Hills Archaeological District
The Bald Hills Archaeological District near Orick is a very old site. It dates back to about 500 B.C. to 1000 A.D. This area was important to the Chilula people, an Indigenous group. Studying sites like this helps us understand how people lived thousands of years ago.
De-No-To Cultural District
The De-No-To Cultural District near Hoopa is another important cultural site. It is significant to the Hupa and Kuruk Indigenous cultures. These sites help preserve the history and traditions of Native American communities.
Tsahpek: A Long History
The site of Tsahpek near Eureka shows signs of people living there continuously for almost 2,000 years! Imagine a place where people have lived and thrived for so long. These archaeological sites are like giant history books, telling us stories from the very distant past.
Images for kids
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The F. W. Andreasen-John Rossen House in Ferndale.
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The Bank of Loleta building.
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The historic Benbow Inn.
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The Rectory, Catholic Church of the Assumption.
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Detail of the Carnegie Free Library.
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The John G. Chapman House.
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The William S. Clark House.
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The John A. Cottrell House.
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The Eureka Inn.
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The Eureka Theatre.
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Fern Cottage, part of a historic district.
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Main Street in Ferndale.
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The Ferndale Public Library.
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The First and F Street Building.
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The Grizzly Bluff School.
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The Gushaw-Mudgett House.
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Holy Trinity Church in Trinidad.
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The Hotel Arcata.
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The Humboldt Bay Life-Saving Station.
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The Humboldt Bay Woolen Mill (now demolished).
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The Jacoby Building.
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The E. Janssen Building.
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The George McFarlan House.
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The Odd Fellows Hall.
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The Old Jacoby Creek School.
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The Phillips House.
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The Prairie Creek Fish Hatchery.
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The Pythian Castle.
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The Thomas F. Ricks House.
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The Schorlig House.
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The Simpson-Vance House.
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The Stone House.
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The Sweasey Theater-Loew's State Theater.
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The Trinidad Head Light Station.
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The U.S. Post Office and Courthouse.
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The Washington School.
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The Whaley House.
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The Magdalena Zanone House.
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