1949 Map of Eureka

About this map

The Northwestern Pacific railroad corridor anchors this mid-century survey of the California redwood coast, winding through timber and ranching country between Eureka and Scotia. The map captures the region's industrial and maritime infrastructure, from the Tyson Chrome Mine in the north near the Oregon border to the Shelter Cove Coast Guard Station at the southern edge. The rugged shoreline is punctuated by critical navigation markers including the St George Reef Lighthouse and Redding Rock Lighthouse, while the interior shows a landscape defined by its river systems, specifically the Klamath River, Mad River, and the wide drainage of the Eel River. Local ranching history is evidenced by family names on the land, such as Hufford Ranch and Patersons Ranch, and the presence of small logging and mill settlements like Falk and Crannell. This document reflects the post-war state of the Redwood Empire before modern highway expansions bypassed many of these smaller riverside communities.