*** Source: History and Business Directory of Humboldt County, Lillie E. Hamm, November 1890, Eureka, Cal. *** ---page 111--- [ad] Books and Stationery 10,000 Songs and Song Books Curiosities of All Kinds J.E. Mathew [ad] HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY 111 ARCATA A THRIVING TOWN WITH A DELIGHTFUL AND EQUABLE CLIMATE. Arcata is a town of considerable importance. In the early pioneer days it was known as Union City, and was the entrepot for all the trade of the mines in Northern Humboldt and Trinity county, it was for a time the seat of county government, but the support given it by the mines was taken away and other localities rose up, and began competing for the traffic above alluded to. Union languished, while its population left for other places, and the county seat was removed to the more eligible location at Eureka. But Arcata has taken a new lease of life and is far more prosperous than any town of its population in California. It is beautifully located on a slope, backed by hills covered with the towering redwoods. The streets are wide and the general plan of the city is excellent. It was laid out on the Spanish system, for a plaza or public square marks its center. It is situated at the northern extremity of Humboldt Bay, and is distant from Eureka about twelve miles. It has a population of about 2,000. Two systems of water works supply an abundance of pure water. The most noticeable and striking feature of Arcata is the number of its fine residences and cottages. Indeed, an inferior house is the exception; this gives the town an appearance of prosperity, which further investigation will prove to be a fact. The climate is recognized by the visitor to be unsurpassed, and the heavy fogs which at times envelop Eureka are entirely unknown. This is due to the protection afforded by the high hills which surround Arcata. The business houses are numerous and, undoubtedly prospering. In fact, some of the mercantile houses are as extensive as those at Eureka. Nearly all religious sects have neat places of worship, and what is more are well attended. The disadvantage under which Arcata is placed is the harbor facilities, it being somewhat distant from deep water. The bay shallows here for some distance from the shore, but this defect has been somewhat overcome by the construction of a wharf which is about two miles long, and extends into the bay deep enough for the largest vessels. This is the property of Korbel Bros., who are also the owners and builders of the Arcata and Mad River Railroad, which runs from Arcata to North Fork, ten miles distant. This road taps a great timber section. A steamer connects the road with Eureka and makes semi-daily trips. Arcata has also stage connection with Eureka. The road between the places is excellent and the scenery is picturesque. Arcata is an incorporated town, and has a charter which furnishes ample powers for all the needs and requirements of a growing city. The education of the youth is not forgotten, for the town boasts of three different school buildings, and there are one primary, two intermediate and two grammar grades under the charge of five teachers. The town government is prosecuting with vigor the improvement of the streets, and has adopted a system of sewerage which will be comparatively inexpensive as the situation affords a perfect drainage. Real estate is gradually increasing in value. Business property is worth from $1,000 to $5,000, according to location, while residence lots are held from $500 to [ad] Gibbard & Lever, Funeral Directors and Embalmers Undertaking Parlors 3d & H Sts., Pioneer Bdg., Eureka [ad] ---end---