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==History==
==History==
The original inhabitants of the area now known as Humboldt County include the [[Wiyot]], [[Yurok]], [[Hupa]], [[Karuk]], [[Chilula]], [[Whilkut]], and the southern Athabascans, including the [[Mattole]] and [[Nongatl]]. {{ref|HCHS}}Humboldt County was formed in [[1853]] from parts of [[Trinity County, California|Trinity County]]. The first recorded entry by people of [[European]] origin was a landing by the the Spanish in [[1775]].{{ref|HCHS}}
The original inhabitants of the area now known as Humboldt County include the [[Wiyot]], [[Yurok]], [[Hupa]], [[Karuk]], [[Chilula]], [[Whilkut]], and the southern Athabascans, including the [[Mattole]] and [[Nongatl]]. <ref name="hchs">Van Kirk, Susie. "Humboldt County: A Briefest of Histories" May 1999 Prepared for the Shades of Humboldt Project, Humboldt County Library [http://www.humboldthistory.org/ Humboldt County Historical Society]</ref>Humboldt County was formed in [[1853]] from parts of [[Trinity County, California|Trinity County]]. The first recorded entry by people of [[European]] origin was a landing by the the Spanish in [[1775]].<ref name="hchs" />


The county derived its name from [[Humboldt Bay (United States)|Humboldt Bay]]. The first recorded entry of Humboldt Bay by non-natives was a [[1806]] visit from a [[sea otter]] hunting party from [[Sitka]] employed by the Russian American Company. {{ref|HCHS}} The hunting party included Captain Jonathan Winship, an [[United States|American]], and some [[Aleut]] hunters.{{ref|HCHS}}{{ref|CAHistoricLandmark}} The bay was not visited again by people of European origin until [[1849]] when Josiah Gregg's party visited.{{ref|CAHistoricLandmark}} In [[1850]], [[Douglas Ottinger]] and [[Hans Buhne]] entered the bay, naming it Humboldt in honor of the great naturalist and world explorer, Baron [[Alexander von Humboldt]].
The county derived its name from [[Humboldt Bay (United States)|Humboldt Bay]]. The first recorded entry of Humboldt Bay by non-natives was a [[1806]] visit from a [[sea otter]] hunting party from [[Sitka]] employed by the Russian American Company. <ref name="hchs" /> The hunting party included Captain Jonathan Winship, an [[United States|American]], and some [[Aleut]] hunters.<ref name="hchs" /><ref name="cahistoriclandmark">[http://ceres.ca.gov/geo_area/counties/Humboldt/landmarks.html CA Historical Landmarks] List of Humboldt County State Designated Historical Landmarks</ref> The bay was not visited again by people of European origin until [[1849]] when Josiah Gregg's party visited.<ref name="cahistoriclandmark" /> In [[1850]], [[Douglas Ottinger]] and [[Hans Buhne]] entered the bay, naming it Humboldt in honor of the great naturalist and world explorer, Baron [[Alexander von Humboldt]].


The area around Humboldt Bay was once solely inhabited by the [[Wiyot people|Wiyot]] [[Native Americans in the United States|Indian]] tribe. One of the largest Wiyot villages, [[Tolowot]], was located on [[Gunther Island]] (AKA Indian Island) in Humboldt Bay. Founded circa [[900]], it contains a shell [[midden]] 6 acres (24,000&nbsp;m²) in size and 14 feet (4 m) deep. It was the site of the [[February 26]], [[1860]] massacre of the Wiyot people that was recorded by [[Bret Harte]], then living in [[Arcata, California|Arcata]]. Between 60 and 200 Wiyot men, women, and children were murdered that night. Tolowot is now an archeological site, designated "Gunther Island Site 67", and is a [[National Historic Landmark]]. {{ref|CAHistoricLandmark}}
The area around Humboldt Bay was once solely inhabited by the [[Wiyot people|Wiyot]] [[Native Americans in the United States|Indian]] tribe. One of the largest Wiyot villages, [[Tolowot]], was located on [[Gunther Island]] (AKA Indian Island) in Humboldt Bay. Founded circa [[900]], it contains a shell [[midden]] 6 acres (24,000&nbsp;m²) in size and 14 feet (4 m) deep. It was the site of the [[February 26]], [[1860]] massacre of the Wiyot people that was recorded by [[Bret Harte]], then living in [[Arcata, California|Arcata]]. Between 60 and 200 Wiyot men, women, and children were murdered that night. Tolowot is now an archeological site, designated "Gunther Island Site 67", and is a [[National Historic Landmark]]. <ref name="cahistoriclandmark" />


State historic landmarks in Humboldt County include [[Trinidad Head]], [[Fort Humboldt]], The Old Arrow Tree, Centerville Beach Cross, Camp Curtis, the Town of [[Trinidad, California|Trinidad]], the City of [[Eureka, California|Eureka]], California's first drilled oil wells in [[Petrolia, California|Petrolia]], the [[Jacoby Building]], the Old Indian Village of [[Tsurai]] in Trinidad, the Arcata and Mad River Railroad Company, the Humboldt Harbor Historical District, and the town of [[Ferndale, California|Ferndale]].{{ref|CAHistoricLandmark}}
State historic landmarks in Humboldt County include [[Trinidad Head]], [[Fort Humboldt]], The Old Arrow Tree, Centerville Beach Cross, Camp Curtis, the Town of [[Trinidad, California|Trinidad]], the City of [[Eureka, California|Eureka]], California's first drilled oil wells in [[Petrolia, California|Petrolia]], the [[Jacoby Building]], the Old Indian Village of [[Tsurai]] in Trinidad, the Arcata and Mad River Railroad Company, the Humboldt Harbor Historical District, and the town of [[Ferndale, California|Ferndale]].<ref name="cahistoriclandmark" />


On February 5 and 6, 1885, Eureka's entire [[China|Chinese]] population of 300 men and 20 women were expelled after a gunfight between two Chinese men wounded a 12 year old boy and killed 56 year old David Kendall. After the shooting, the Chinese were informed that they were no longer wanted in Eureka and would be [[hanged]] if they were to stay in town longer than 3 p.m. the next day, and were put on two steamships and shipped to [[San Francisco, California|San Francisco]]. No Chinese were killed in the expulsion, and it was followed with another Chinese expulsion during 1906 in a cannery on the [[Eel River (California)|Eel River]], which expelled 23 Chinese cannery workers after local loggers objected to their presence. However in [[Orleans, California|Orleans]], many white landowners sheltered and purchased food for Chinese mineworkers until after racial tension passed.
On February 5 and 6, 1885, Eureka's entire [[China|Chinese]] population of 300 men and 20 women were expelled after a gunfight between two Chinese men wounded a 12 year old boy and killed 56 year old David Kendall. After the shooting, the Chinese were informed that they were no longer wanted in Eureka and would be [[hanged]] if they were to stay in town longer than 3 p.m. the next day, and were put on two steamships and shipped to [[San Francisco, California|San Francisco]]. No Chinese were killed in the expulsion, and it was followed with another Chinese expulsion during 1906 in a cannery on the [[Eel River (California)|Eel River]], which expelled 23 Chinese cannery workers after local loggers objected to their presence. However in [[Orleans, California|Orleans]], many white landowners sheltered and purchased food for Chinese mineworkers until after racial tension passed.
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* Avenue of the Giants off of Hwy 101 (Home of Tallest Tree, Drive-thru tree, and oldest tree)
* Avenue of the Giants off of Hwy 101 (Home of Tallest Tree, Drive-thru tree, and oldest tree)


<ref name="hchs" />
{{ref|HCHS}}


==References==
==References==
<references />
#{{note|CaHistoricLandmark}} [http://ceres.ca.gov/geo_area/counties/Humboldt/landmarks.html CA Historical Landmarks] List of Humboldt County State Designated Historical Landmarks
#{{note|HCHS}} Van Kirk, Susie. "Humboldt County: A Briefest of Histories" May 1999 Prepared for the Shades of Humboldt Project, Humboldt County Library [http://www.humboldthistory.org/ Humboldt County Historical Society]


==External links==
==External links==

Revision as of 18:53, 1 August 2006

Humboldt County
County
Official seal of Humboldt County
Seal
Map of California highlighting Humboldt County
Location within the U.S. state of California
Map of the United States highlighting California
California's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 40°48′N 123°48′W / 40.8°N 123.8°W / 40.8; -123.8
Country United States
State California
Founded1853
SeatEureka
Population
 (2000)
 • Total
126,518
Websitewww.co.humboldt.ca.us

Humboldt County is a county located on the northwest coast of the U.S. state of California, on the Pacific Ocean. As of the 2000 census, the county had a population of 126,518. The county seat is Eureka.

History

The original inhabitants of the area now known as Humboldt County include the Wiyot, Yurok, Hupa, Karuk, Chilula, Whilkut, and the southern Athabascans, including the Mattole and Nongatl. [1]Humboldt County was formed in 1853 from parts of Trinity County. The first recorded entry by people of European origin was a landing by the the Spanish in 1775.[1]

The county derived its name from Humboldt Bay. The first recorded entry of Humboldt Bay by non-natives was a 1806 visit from a sea otter hunting party from Sitka employed by the Russian American Company. [1] The hunting party included Captain Jonathan Winship, an American, and some Aleut hunters.[1][2] The bay was not visited again by people of European origin until 1849 when Josiah Gregg's party visited.[2] In 1850, Douglas Ottinger and Hans Buhne entered the bay, naming it Humboldt in honor of the great naturalist and world explorer, Baron Alexander von Humboldt.

The area around Humboldt Bay was once solely inhabited by the Wiyot Indian tribe. One of the largest Wiyot villages, Tolowot, was located on Gunther Island (AKA Indian Island) in Humboldt Bay. Founded circa 900, it contains a shell midden 6 acres (24,000 m²) in size and 14 feet (4 m) deep. It was the site of the February 26, 1860 massacre of the Wiyot people that was recorded by Bret Harte, then living in Arcata. Between 60 and 200 Wiyot men, women, and children were murdered that night. Tolowot is now an archeological site, designated "Gunther Island Site 67", and is a National Historic Landmark. [2]

State historic landmarks in Humboldt County include Trinidad Head, Fort Humboldt, The Old Arrow Tree, Centerville Beach Cross, Camp Curtis, the Town of Trinidad, the City of Eureka, California's first drilled oil wells in Petrolia, the Jacoby Building, the Old Indian Village of Tsurai in Trinidad, the Arcata and Mad River Railroad Company, the Humboldt Harbor Historical District, and the town of Ferndale.[2]

On February 5 and 6, 1885, Eureka's entire Chinese population of 300 men and 20 women were expelled after a gunfight between two Chinese men wounded a 12 year old boy and killed 56 year old David Kendall. After the shooting, the Chinese were informed that they were no longer wanted in Eureka and would be hanged if they were to stay in town longer than 3 p.m. the next day, and were put on two steamships and shipped to San Francisco. No Chinese were killed in the expulsion, and it was followed with another Chinese expulsion during 1906 in a cannery on the Eel River, which expelled 23 Chinese cannery workers after local loggers objected to their presence. However in Orleans, many white landowners sheltered and purchased food for Chinese mineworkers until after racial tension passed.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 10,495 km² (4,052 mi²). 9,253 km² (3,572 mi²) of it is land and 1,243 km² (480 mi²) of it (11.84%) is water.

Located in Humboldt County is Cape Mendocino, the westernmost point in California, with a longitude of 124 degrees, 24 minutes and 30 seconds.

Adjacent counties

Government

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there were 126,518 people, 51,238 households, and 30,640 families residing in the county. It is estimated that by 2003, the population in Humboldt County will increase to only 127,915. The population density was 14/km² (35/mi²). There were 55,912 housing units at an average density of 6/km² (16/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 84.71% White, 0.88% Black or African American, 5.72% Native American, 1.65% Asian, 0.19% Pacific Islander, 2.45% from other races, and 4.39% from two or more races. 6.49% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 51,238 households out of which 28.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.10% were married couples living together, 11.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.20% were non-families. 28.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the county the population was spread out with 23.20% under the age of 18, 12.40% from 18 to 24, 27.40% from 25 to 44, 24.50% from 45 to 64, and 12.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 97.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $31,226, and the median income for a family was $39,370. Males had a median income of $32,210 versus $23,942 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,203. About 12.90% of families and 19.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.50% of those under age 18 and 7.20% of those age 65 or over.

Cities and towns

Educational and cultural institutions

The County is served by many school districts and a wide vareity of schools. Most schools are under the direction of the [|Humboldt County Office of Education], but a few are not. The independent, private schools include St. Mary's Catholic School in Arcata and [| Salmon Creek Community School] in rural southern Humboldt County. A complete list of Humboldt County Schools under the Humboldt County Office of Education includes charter schools and adult education.

Media

Humboldt County has one of the more competitive media environments to be found in such a rural area, with standards ranging from Associated Press style to lacadasical to tabloid.

The longest-running paper is the Times-Standard, owned now by Media News Group, which has been in daily publication since 1854. Joining them in 2006 is the daily Eureka Reporter owned by local developer and prominent Republican activist Rob Arkley, Jr. Regional weekly and bi-weekly publications include the North Coast Journal, the Humboldt Sentinel, The Independent, the McKinleyville Press, the Arcata Eye and the Humboldt Beacon. There is now also Humboldt County Lines Magazine that writes positive stories about Humboldt County Businesses.

There are also a number of tabloid circulars both on-line and in print which have a narrower focus and often cross the line from news to gossip. Also abundant are printed zines and on-line blogs.

Marijuana cultivation and culture

Humboldt County has had a persistent reputation as one of the state's largest major marijuana-producing regions[1], and a national if not international reputation as a producer of high-quality marijuana – (sometimes referred to as "The Kind") [2]. Humboldt County was featured in the April issue of High Times in 2005, and several locations on the campus of Humboldt State University have been previously noted as some of the "Top Ten" places to obtain the herb.

It is popularly believed that the largest industry in Humboldt County is marijuana production. Although specific figures are hard to come by due to its illegal status in the United States, one estimate put it between 150 and 200 million dollars per year[3], and another places it between 200 and 500 million dollars per year[4]. This is probably in excess of tourism ($200M/Yr) and the county's single largest employer, Humboldt State University (also at $200M/Yr).

Some of the county's marijuana economy is quasi-legal in accordance with Proposition 215, California's Medical marijuana law. The federal government of the United States does not recognize the legitimacy of state medical marijuana laws as a defense to anything other than simple possession of a small amount of marijuana. In practice, however, state law enforcement officials rarely bring marijuana related cases to federal courts and usually prosecute them under state, rather than federal, marijuana laws. The city of Arcata became one of the state's first to pass a medical marijuana ordinance and implement a patient ID card program, although it was discontinued after the departure of former Police Chief Mel Brown and never re-activated by his more conservative successors. In 2004 the Board of Supervisors adopted the far more expansive cultivation and possession limits of 100 square feet and three pounds, compared to 6 plants and 8 ounces in Arcata and the other incorporated cities in Humboldt County as per the default minimums set by Senate Bill 420.

Marijuana culture is celebrated every year, primarily by youths, with the 420 Celebration held in Arcata's Redwood Park on April 20. Many local businesses also feature many products such as clothing made from hemp, the versatile fiber found in the stalk of the Marijuana plant.

Points of interest

  • Humboldt Botanical Garden
  • Redwood Park and the Arcata community forest
  • Arcata Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Humboldt County Parks and beaches
  • Humboldt Redwoods State Park
  • Samoa Dunes
  • Headwaters Forest
  • Shelter Cove
  • Lost Coast Trail
  • Moonstone Beach
  • Roll on the Mattole at the Mattole Grange in Southern Humboldt (Summer)
  • Avenue of the Giants off of Hwy 101 (Home of Tallest Tree, Drive-thru tree, and oldest tree)

[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Van Kirk, Susie. "Humboldt County: A Briefest of Histories" May 1999 Prepared for the Shades of Humboldt Project, Humboldt County Library Humboldt County Historical Society
  2. ^ a b c d CA Historical Landmarks List of Humboldt County State Designated Historical Landmarks
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