Blue Lake in Humboldt County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Arcata and Mad River Rail Road Company

Photographed by Alvis Hendley, September 13, 2010

1. Arcata and Mad River Rail Road Company Marker

Inscription. Incorporated December 15, 1854, as the Union Plank Walk, Rail Track, and Wharf Company, the Arcata and Mad River Rail Road is the oldest line on the north coast. Originally using a horse-drawn car, the railroad served as a link between Humboldt Bay and the Trinity River mines. Later, locomotives were added as the line grew to serve the redwood industry.

Erected 1970 by Humboldt County Historical Society; Arcata and Mad River Rail Road Company; California State Department of Parks and Recreation. (Marker Number 842.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 15, 1854.

Location. 40° 52.889′ N, 123° 59.456′ W. Marker is in Blue Lake, California, in Humboldt County. It is at the intersection of Railroad Avenue and F Street when traveling north on Railroad Avenue. Marker is located in the parking lot behind the old depot building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 330 Railroad Avenue, Blue Lake

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CA 95525, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s North Coast,

specifically on the Coast Ranges,

and in the Klamath Mountains.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast

and in the Pacific Northwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Indian Arrow Tree (approx. 2.3 miles away); The Phillips House (approx. 4.7 miles away); Camp Curtis (approx. 4.7 miles away); Site of Arcata Stage & Bus Depot (approx. 5 miles away); The Gregg-Wood Party and the Union Company (approx. 5 miles away); First Methodist Society on Humboldt Bay (approx. 5.1 miles away); Minor Theatre (approx. 5.1 miles away); a different marker also named Jacoby Building (approx. 5.1 miles away).

Another marker is no longer nearby. Jacoby Building (was approx. 5.1 miles away but has been

Photographed by Alvis Hendley, September 13, 2010

2. Arcata and Mad River Rail Road Company Marker

confirmed missing).

More about this marker. California Historical Landmark

Arcata and Mad River Rail Road Depot image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Alvis Hendley, September 13, 2010

3. Arcata and Mad River Rail Road Depot

The old depot was built in 1893. When we photographed it in 2010, it housed the Blue Lake Museum Society. The marker is located in the parking lot behind the depot.

Arcata and Mad River Rail Road Company Mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Alvis Hendley, September 13, 2010

4. Arcata and Mad River Rail Road Company Mural

This mural is painted on the building at 410 South Railroad Avenue facing the old depot.

Vintage Photo Courtesy of Blue Lake Museum Society (Date Unknown) image. Click for full size.

5. Vintage Photo Courtesy of Blue Lake Museum Society (Date Unknown)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2018. It was originally submitted on January 27, 2018, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. This page has been viewed 858 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 27, 2018, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.