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

Along the Banks of Salt River

Photographed By Richard Cortez, GT NSGW

1. Along the Banks of Salt River Marker

Inscription. In 1876 John Gardner Kenyon surveyed and laid out this once flourishing southern Humboldt port. The original townsite encompassed 60 acres, subdivided by streets 60 to 80 feet wide. Shipping and other commercial ventures increased steadily from 1878 to the turn of the century. At that time, the town supported a hotel, general store, church, 2 saloons, 2 schools, large warehouses, a lumber mill and cannery. The warehouses could store up to 3,500 tons of merchandise. In 1887 the value of imports was $300,000 opposed to $200,000 in exports. Incoming freight averaged 250 tons per month.

Steamers out of port Kenyon included City of Chester, Mary D. Hume, This. A. Whitelaw, National City, Hattie Gage, Argo, and Laura Ellen. The Thos. A. Whitelaw, built in 1878, was designed for shipping out of port Kenyon. The ship was 136 feet long, beam 26’, hold 13.3’, and could carry 400 tons in 10 feet of water.

Erected 1986 by Native Sons of the Golden West.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. 40° 34.698′ N, 124° 15.814′

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W. Marker is in Ferndale, California, in Humboldt County. Marker is at the intersection of 3rd Street and Shaw Avenue, on the right when traveling north on 3rd Street. The marker is near the bottom of the steps at the Ferndale Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 515 Shaw Avenue, Ferndale CA 95536, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ferndale Museum (a few steps from this marker); The House That Troy Built (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Gazebo (about 400 feet away); The Shaw House (about 500 feet away); Blackburn Law Office (about 600 feet away); "Poppa Joe's" (about 600 feet away); Our Centennial (about 800 feet away); Ferndale Meat Market (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ferndale.

More about this marker. This marker has been moved to this location from where it was originally placed.

Salt River Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Baker, September 18, 2021

2. Salt River Marker

The marker is near the bottom of the stairs.

Ferndale Museum image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Baker, September 18, 2021

3. Ferndale Museum

Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2021, by James King of San Miguel, California. This page has been viewed 309 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 29, 2021, by James King of San Miguel, California. 2. submitted on August 30, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on September 18, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.