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

Centerville Beach Cross

Photographed by Craig Baker

1. Centerville Beach Cross Marker

Inscription.
To the memory of the 38 pioneers who lost their lives in the wreck of the steamer "Northerner" on January 6, 1860.
By Ferndale Parlor, NSGW, 1921.

Rebuilt because of the earthquake of 1992. Rededicated February 11, 1995 by Grand Parlor, Native Sons of the Golden West, Fred Codoni, Grand President.

Erected 1921 by Native Sons of the Golden West. (Marker Number 173.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Lost at Sea series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.

Location. 40° 34.415′ N, 124° 20.971′ W. Marker is near Ferndale, California, in Humboldt County. It is on Centerville Road 4½ miles west of Ferndale, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ferndale CA 95536, 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

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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 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Old Firemen's Pavilion (approx. 4.4 miles away); Joseph C. Oeschger Field (approx. 4.4 miles away); Ferndale Masonic Hall (approx. 4.4 miles away); The Victorian Inn (approx. 4.4 miles away); Hotel Ivanhoe (approx. 4½ miles away); The Danish Hall (approx. 4½ miles away); a different marker also named Danish Hall (approx. 4½ miles away); Ferndale Palace Saloon (approx. 4½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ferndale.

More about this marker. This cross is now located at Centerville Beach County Park. The cross that fell during the 1992 earthquake was moved to Ferndale Cemetery in 2024.

Regarding Centerville Beach Cross. In 1935 the cross was designated California Historical Landmark No. 173 - Centerville Beach Cross. “On

Centerville Beach Cross image. Click for full size.

2. Centerville Beach Cross

January 6, 1860 the steamer Northerner, northward bound from San Francisco, struck a hidden rock two miles off Cape Mendocino, and from there drifted to the Centerville Beach. Thirty-three passengers and 32 crew members were saved - the cross was erected by the Ferndale Parlor No. 93, N.D.G.W., in memory of the 17 passengers and 21 crew members who lost their lives in this disaster.”

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. - The old fallen cross is now at Ferndale Cemetery.

Centerville Beach Cross and Marker image. Click for full size.

3. Centerville Beach Cross and Marker

The original cross fell during the earthquake of 1992.

Photographed by Craig Baker

4. Centerville Beach Cross and Marker

The cross was moved to the Centerville Beach parking area.

Original Cross image. Click for full size.

courtesy Ferndale Cemetery, May 11, 2024

5. Original Cross

The old fallen cross, now at Ferndale Cemetery.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 526 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 23, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on February 29, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.