Old Town Eureka facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Town Eureka
(Eureka Old Town Historic District) |
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Near 2nd & "F" Streets in Old Town
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | Eureka, California-Roughly, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Streets, between B and M Streets. |
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| Built | 1850-1874, 1875-1899, 1900-1924, 1925-1949 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Victorian, Greek Revival, Classical Revival (Neoclassical) |
| NRHP reference No. | 91001523 |
| Added to NRHP | 1991 |
Old Town Eureka is a special part of Eureka, California. It is officially known as the Eureka Old Town Historic District. This area is listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places.
It covers about 350 acres and has 154 buildings. Most of these buildings are from the Victorian era. The main part of Old Town is along First, Second, and Third Streets. You can find buildings from the 1850s to today here. The famous Carson Mansion is also nearby. It is a beautiful Victorian building.
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History of Old Town Eureka
The city of Eureka started as a small settlement in 1850. It was built right next to Humboldt Bay. This area helped supply miners who were working inland.
By 1865, Old Town was a busy place. It was full of businesses and had a lot of money. The roads beyond Second Street were still rough. They were covered with stumps from the Redwood forest.
Old Town Today
Old Town is now the lively center of Eureka, California. It is a popular spot for visitors. The area is on the North Coast and is very beautiful. It is often foggy and feels different from the rest of California.
Eureka is known for its art scene. It was even called one of the 100 best art towns in America. You can find many restaurants and inns here. There are also bed and breakfasts, like the Carter House Inn. This inn is famous for its large wine collection.
The Clarke Historical Museum is also in Old Town. It is at the corner of 3rd and E Streets. The museum has many baskets made by local native cultures. It also shows the history of the area, especially the Victorian times.
Fun Events in Old Town
Old Town Eureka hosts many exciting events throughout the year.
- Blues By the Bay is a music festival. It happens in late summer. The event takes place near the Carson Mansion.
- First Saturday Arts Alive! happens every month. More than 80 local art galleries and shops open their doors. They show art from local artists. You can often find drinks and snacks. Musicians, performers, and dancers entertain people on the streets. This event often happens at the same time as the Eureka Symphony performs. Children can visit the Discovery Museum during this time.
- Old Town Eureka also has a street fair for Fourth of July. This celebration is followed by fireworks over the bay.
Historic Buildings in Old Town
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This map from 1902 shows the City of Eureka. Old Town is the area near the water on the left.
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These are Victorian commercial buildings. They are on the south side of Second Street.
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This building is now the Clarke Historical Museum. It was once the Bank of Eureka. It was designed by Albert Pissis in 1911.
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The Buon Gusto (Eagle House) Hotel. People used to travel to Humboldt Bay mostly by ship. Docks for ships were close to this corner.
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These commercial buildings were built between 1893 and 1904.
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This bookstore has a late 1870s storefront. It is on Second Street.
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The Carson Mansion seen from Humboldt Bay.
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This is a Second Empire style building. It was an Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall. It had shops on the first floor.
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The Humboldt Arts Council is in this early commercial brick building from the mid-1800s.
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This Victorian commercial building has many details. It is now a popular seafood restaurant.
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This is the Milton Carson Home. It was a wedding gift for the son of William Carson. William Carson built the Carson Mansion in 1889.
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This Victorian fence and gate are next to the Milton Carson Home.
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This is an original commercial building. It has a "false" front on 2nd Street.
Images for kids
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Humboldt Arts Council in mid-1800s (early) commercial brick building.
