Near Petrolia in Humboldt County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Cape Mendocino Lighthouse
Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 13, 2001
1. Cape Mendocino Lighthouse Marker
Lit Dec. 1, 1868 to Mar. 3, 1951. Built at 422 ft. elevation, the light swept 30 mi. to sea. The perilous waters here claimed nine ships. Mules took supplies to the site, 15 mi. north, the westernmost in the U.S. Dedicated to the Keepers of the Light.
Erected 2000 by E Clampus Vitus Eureka Chapter 101.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus, and the Lighthouses series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is December 1, 1868.
Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 40° 25.053′ N, 124° 23.9′ W. Marker was near Petrolia, California, in Humboldt County. It was on Mattole Road, on the right when traveling south. The marker is located along "The Lost Coast" in the King Range National Conservation Area. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 27427 Mattole Road, Ferndale CA 95536, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in California’s North Coast, specifically on the Coast Ranges, and in the Klamath Mountains. It was also on the American Pacific Coast and in the Pacific Northwest. Globally, it was 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 found itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: California's First Drilled Oil Wells (approx. 8.7 miles away); Centerville Beach Cross (approx. 11.1 miles away); Joseph C. Oeschger Field
this page online
Photographed by Karen Key
2. Cape Mendocino Lighthouse
Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 13, 2001
3. "The Lost Coast"
Photographed by Craig Baker, September 7, 2021
4. New Marker, in new location
Photographed by Craig Baker
5. New Marker, at new location in Shelter Cove
Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 1,116 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 25, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 2. submitted on June 6, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. 3. submitted on January 25, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 4, 5. submitted on September 7, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
