1959 Map of Fortuna

About this map

The Eel River and Van Duzen River define the lower Eel River Valley in this mid-century survey, a landscape where timber and dairy interests meet the Pacific coast. The town of Fortuna serves as the regional hub, supported by the Northwestern Pacific Railroad which connects the coastal timber ports at Fields Landing to the inland logging operations. The map details a established social infrastructure, featuring the Union High School and Redwood Memorial Hospital in the town center, while the Rohnerville Airport and St Pius X Seminary suggest post-war expansion. Local history is etched into the terrain at Grizzly Bluff and Table Bluff, overlooking the marshes of the South Bay. This geography highlights the intricate water systems necessary for the era's industry, from the Hookton Slough to the many gulches and forks of the Elk River.