Orick in Humboldt County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Big Diamond
A Circus Elephant
— Not a Humboldt Mastodon —
Photographed By Nicki Fuller, February 9, 2009
1. Big Diamond Marker
"Big Diamond", a circus elephant, expired near here in 1927. His skinned hulk was buried. Years later, his bones were unearthed and speculation arose about a Humboldt Mastodon until investigators were enlightened by people who'd seen the pachyderm's ignominious end.
Erected 1993 by E Clampus Vitus Eureka Chapter 101.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Entertainment • Paleontology. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.
Location. 41° 17.363′ N, 124° 3.529′ W. Marker is in Orick, California, in Humboldt County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Redwood Highway (State Highway 101) and Hufford Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located in the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Orick CA 95555, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Madison Grant Forest and Elk Refuge (approx. 5.2 miles away); The CCC at Prairie Creek (approx. 5˝ miles away); The Tall Tree (approx. 6.1 miles away); The Forest for the Trees (approx. 6.3 miles away); The Redwood Highway (approx. 6.4 miles away); William Z. Hegy (approx. 12.4 miles away).
this page online
Additional commentary.
1. Circus Elephant Dies Near Orick After Hard Work
Article in the Healdsburg Tribune 4 October 1927.
After being used to push heavy circus wagons out of difficulty on the new construction work of the Redwood highway about five miles above Orick Friday afternoon, "Big Diamond,” an elephant weighing about eight tons, collapsed alongside the road, and within 24 hours was dead. The animal, owned by the “Honest Bill” animal show, was said to be 247 years old and was valued at $10,000. With his death Humboldt county recorded its first elephant fatality.
— Submitted May 28, 2022.
Photographed By Craig Baker
2. Big Diamond Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2009, by Nicki Fuller of Poulsbo, Washington. This page has been viewed 2,421 times since then and 543 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week May 29, 2022. Photos: 1. submitted on September 7, 2009, by Nicki Fuller of Poulsbo, Washington. 2. submitted on September 7, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
