Historical Markers in
Mendocino County, California

116 & 118 South State Street Boontling: The Lingo of Boonville Captain Fletcher and the Navarro Inn Charles Russell Johnson Confusion Hill Dynamite Shack Eversole Building Fifteen Japanese from Yawatahama First Baptist Church Bell Ford House Fort Bragg Fort Building Gambrel-Hawn Building Harvesting the Shore History Pivots on a Rock Hopland and the Brewery IOOF Lodge #174 Jacob Green Jackson State Forest Ladies of the Night Major William F. Mullen Freedom Tree Masonic Temple History Mendocino County Fallen Vietnam War Veterans Memorial Mendocino Masonic Hall Mendocino Presbyterian Church Mignon "Minnie" Stoddard Lilley Our Past Through Our Trash Plane Crash Site Memorial Marker Point Arena Lighthouse Point Cabrillo Light Station Round Valley Runway! Stable / The Laytonville Baptist Church Sun House Surrounded By Trees Temple Kwan Tai The Marks Building The Parrish Family Cemetery The Weller House Timber Years Ukiah Telephone Exchange Ukiah Vichy Springs Resort Whirring Saws Silenced: A Pictorial History of the Mill Site Willits Carnegie Library
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Mendocino County, located on the northern coast of California, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Pomo, Yuki, and Wappo, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for their livelihoods. European exploration of the area began in the late 18th century, with Spanish and Russian explorers searching for trade routes and resources.

In the mid-19th century, Mendocino County experienced rapid development as settlers arrived during the California Gold Rush. Fort Bragg, a coastal town, was established as a military outpost in 1857 to protect the northern frontier and assist in gold mining operations. The timber industry also boomed during this time, as vast redwood forests were logged for lumber and shipbuilding.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mendocino County saw significant growth in agriculture, particularly wine production. The area's Mediterranean-like climate and fertile soil attracted Italian and Swiss immigrants who established successful vineyards and wineries. The county became known for its award-winning grapes and wines, a reputation that continues to this day.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Mendocino County became associated with counterculture movements and a back-to-the-land movement. In the 1960s and 70s, many individuals seeking a more alternative lifestyle settled in the region, practicing communal living, organic farming, and advocating for environmental conservation.

Today, Mendocino County is known for its stunning natural beauty, including rugged coastlines, ancient redwood forests, and picturesque vineyards. The area's cultural heritage, from indigenous traditions to its history of logging and winemaking, is celebrated through museums, festivals, and local community initiatives. The county continues to be a popular destination for tourists, offering a mix of outdoor recreation, wine tasting, and cultural experiences.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Mendocino County, California.

  • 1850: Mendocino County is established on February 18th, making it one of the original 27 counties of California.
  • 1852: The city of Mendocino is founded as a logging community.
  • 1857: The first courthouse in Mendocino County is built in Ukiah.
  • 1880s: The logging industry booms in Mendocino County, contributing to its economic growth.
  • 1904: The Mendocino State Hospital, which later becomes known as the Mendocino Developmental Center, is established.
  • 1939: The Golden Gate Bridge opens, connecting Mendocino County to the rest of California.
  • 1964: The Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands are designated as a public park, preserving natural coastal beauty.
  • 1969: The Mendocino County Winegrape and Wine Commission is formed, sparking the growth of the wine industry in the county.
  • 1970s-1980s: The emergence of the counterculture movement and the back-to-the-land movement attracts many alternative lifestyle followers to Mendocino County.
  • 1990: The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens open in Fort Bragg, showcasing the region's diverse flora.
  • 2017: Mendocino County experiences devastating wildfires, causing widespread destruction and loss.