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1961 Map of Eureka

Name: 1961 Topographic Map of Eureka
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1961
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1961

About this map

The Pacific Ocean coastline of Northern California anchors this 1961 edition, revealing a landscape defined by the timber-rich forests and the tidal waters of Arcata Bay and Humboldt Bay. The regional economy of the early 1960s is visible in the alignment of the Northwestern Pacific RR as it parallels the Eel River through the heart of the redwood country, connecting mill towns like Scotia and Rio Dell to the port at Eureka. Significant cultural sites appear along the northern coast, including the Yontocket Indian Village Site near the mouth of the Smith River.

Navigation and defense infrastructure are well-documented, from the Crescent City Light and Table Bluff Lighthouse to the Requa Air Force Station. The map highlights a massive network of protected lands, including Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, established to preserve the region's ancient groves as coastal development expanded around McKinleyville and Arcata.