Fort Humboldt was established in 1853 by the US Army as a buffer between Native Americans, gold-seekers and settlers. It was placed on a bluff overlooking Humboldt Bay and Buck's Port, named after David Buck, a member of the Josiah Gregg exploration party. Fort Humboldt’s location was chosen because of its strategic location overlooking the bay and to provide the only source of supply to the isolated and scattered areas of the region.

In addition to serving to protect the local inhabitants, it was also a supply depot for posts around the California and Oregon borders such as Fort Gaston in Hoopa and Fort Bragg in northern Mendocino County.

At its peak, the fort had 14 buildings all of crude plank construction. Along with the two buildings that served as barracks for the enlisted men, there were quarters for the officers, an office, a hospital, a bakery, a storehouse/commissary, a guardhouse, a blacksmith's shop, and a stable.

It was during its first few years that Fort Humboldt saw one of its most famous residents: the young Captain Ulysses S. Grant. After being decorated for bravery in the Mexican-American war, he was posted to several locations including Fort Vancouver in the Pacific Northwest. The isolation of Fort Humboldt did not appeal to Grant, and after serving as commanding officer of Company F for six months, resigned his commission.

The period between the fort’s establishment and the beginning of the Civil War was marked by many skirmishes between the settlers and the local tribes. One of the first major conflicts was the so-called Red Cap War, fought in the area around present-day Weitchpec and Orleans. Soldiers from Fort Humboldt were called into action to bring calm back to the area during this conflict. The leaders and soldiers of the fort were often critisized by settlers who sought a more violent response to Indian attacks. The infamous Indian Island Massacre of the Wiyot people occurred at the end of this period on February 25, 1860.

The fort was abandoned in 1967.

Fort Humboldt State Historic Park
3431 Fort Avenue, Eureka, CA 95503;
707-445-6567; Park Website;
Fort and Logging Museum : Open Daily 8AM-4:30PM;

The park offers many exploration options. There are historic and reconstructed buildings; including the fort museum and logging museum. Also be sure to check out the on-site bookstore and outdoor logging machinery displays. There are picnic tables on a grassy bluff overlooking Humboldt Bay, and public restrooms.

Special Events
Monthly "Steam Up"s bring historic logging equipment to life on the 3rd Saturdays from May through September.
Dolbeer Donkey Days -- A two day event in April featuring logging equipment in operation and logging skills competition.

Eureka California
Principal city on the Northern California coastline. Located adjacent to Humboldt Bay, this regional port city is situated near extensive preserves of the world's tallest trees, the Coast Redwoods, and dozens of related parks.