1959 Map of Ferndale

About this map

Ferndale sits at the base of the uplifted Wildcat Ridge, overlooking the expansive alluvial plains of the Eel River and its complex network of sloughs. This 1959 coastal survey reveals a landscape defined by dairy ranching and maritime history, where names like Occidental Ranch, Fulmor Ranch, and Mayflower Ranch dot the fertile lowlands. The importance of the regional waterways is evident in the transition from the Salt River marshes to the bustling streets of Ferndale. Along the coast, the Wreck of Northerner Historical Marker at Centerville Beach serves as a reminder of the treacherous Pacific waters that once shaped local commerce. Inland, the map details the social infrastructure of the mid-century community, from the Island School and St Marys Cemetery to the Fairgrounds, providing a clear look at the area's established rural character.