1959 Map of Arcata South

About this map

Arcata and its southern surroundings are defined by the transition from the tidal flats of Arcata Bay to the steep timbered ridges of Fickle Hill. In the late 1950s, the region was characterized by a mix of emerging suburban residential areas like Sunny Brae and established coastal industries linked by the Northwestern Pacific railroad. To the south, the intricate network of tidal sloughs—including Freshwater Slough, Fay Slough, and Ryan Slough—meanders through the Arcata Bottoms, providing a sharp contrast to the upland drainages of Jacoby Creek and Freshwater Creek. Local landmarks like Humboldt State College and Trinity Hosp anchor the urban grid of Arcata, while the rural interior is dotted with community centers such as Jacoby Creek Sch and the Garfield School. This map captures the coastal landscape before the expansion of modern infrastructure, showing old Quarry sites and a Drive-in Theater along the Pacific Highway.