Fort Humboldt State Historic Park
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| Fort Humboldt State Historic Park | |
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| Location | Humboldt County, California, USA |
| Nearest city | Eureka, California |
| Established | 1955 |
| Governing body | California State Parks |
Fort Humboldt State Historic Park, is a California State Park located in the southern portion of the city of Eureka, California just off U.S. Route 101.
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[edit] History
Fort Humboldt was established in 1853 by the Army as a buffer between Native Americans, gold-seekers and settlers. It was founded by Captain Robert C. Buchanan of the U.S. 4th Infantry Regiment. It was placed on a bluff overlooking Humboldt Bay.
In addition to serving to protect the local inhabitants, it was also a supply depot for posts around the California and Oregon borders. During the Civil War, Fort Humboldt was the headquarters of the District of the Humboldt.
Among the many soldiers who served at the fort was a young captain, Ulysses S. Grant, who was there for five months in 1854.
After the Civil War, the fort outlived its usefulness and it was abandoned in 1866. The fort then fell into ruin and after many years title was transferred to the State of California.
[edit] Restoration
Restoration ensued, with the hospital the sole remaining building of the original construction. The other building, the Surgeon's Quarters,was re-created in 1985. The General Plan for Fort Humboldt SHP, developed by California State Parks and Recreation, calls for a re-creation of the entire fort complex. This General Plan, created April 14,1978, has been slow to implement.
[edit] Visitor information
The park provides a prominent vista of Humboldt Bay (United States) and portions of southern Eureka.
In addition to various semi-relevant displays, the hospital building houses an accounting of the Native experience of European settlers. Surprising, if not alarming, detail of the treatment of indigenous groups by white settlers exists in referenced signage along with artifacts. A culturally and historically correct dugout canoe constructed of the heart of a redwood tree is on display.
Fort Humboldt is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Permanent displays are augmented by special events during the year.
