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

Centerville Beach Cross

courtesy Ferndale Cemetery, May 11, 2024

1. Centerville Beach Cross Marker

Inscription.
This cross was erected on a bluff overlooking Centerville Beach on September 11, 1921, by the Native Sons of the Golden West, Ferndale Parlor No. 93, to honor the 17 passengers and 21 crewmembers of the steamship SS Northerner, who perished on January 5 and 6, 1860.
The paddle wheeler struck submerged rocks two miles offshore and was beached near the original site.

This cross was broken from its base during the 1992 Cape Mendocino Earthquakes, and a new cross was erected in 1995 to replace it. Due to imminent collapse from erosion, the 1995 cross was moved to the Centerville Beach parking area.

In 2023, the original cross was salvaged and moved to this site with funds provided by the NSGW Historical Preservation Foundation.

The Centerville Beach Cross is California Historical Landmark No. 173.

Rededicated February 10th, 2024, Native Sons of the Golden West, George A. Adams, Grand President, and Ferndale Parlor No. 93, Timothy Wilson, President.

Erected 2024 by Native Sons of the Golden West. (Marker Number 173.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these

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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 date for this entry is January 5, 1921.

Location. 40° 34.389′ N, 124° 15.737′ W. Marker is in Ferndale, California, in Humboldt County. It can be reached from the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Craig Street, on the right when traveling east. Located in Ferndale Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5680 Ocean Ave, 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

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 walking distance of this marker: Ferndale Memorial Day Parade (about

Centerville Beach Cross image. Click for full size.

courtesy Ferndale Cemetery, May 11, 2024

2. Centerville Beach Cross

600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ferndale Cemetery (about 600 feet away); Joseph C. Oeschger Field (approx. 0.2 miles away); A. Berding House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Firemen's Pavilion (approx. 0.2 miles away); Danish Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named The Danish Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ferndale Masonic Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ferndale.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. - The 1995 cross, at the Centerville Beach parking area.

Ferndale and Cemetery image. Click for full size.

courtesy Ferndale Cemetery, May 11, 2024

3. Ferndale and Cemetery

View from the cross to the beach.

courtesy Ferndale Cemetery, May 11, 2024

4. Centerville Beach Cross

Credits. This page was last revised on December 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 420 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 22, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.