Old Indian Village of Tsurai

The bronze dates the village from the Spanish captains who first "located" it in 1775; the Yurok Tribe, which spells it Chue-rey, calls that visit an invasion. Plank houses stood on this south-facing slope for centuries, and people lived here until 1916. Since then the ground has changed hands. The Coastal Conservancy, whose small "funded in part" post stands beside the plaque, bought the 12.5 acres in 1979 and sold them to the city in 1989. Lineal descendants formed the Tsurai Ancestral Society, and the site's management plan recommends exploring a transfer to the Tribe.

What the plaque says

Tsurai Directly below was located the ancient Yurok village of Tsurai. A prehistoric, permanent Indian community, it was first located and described by Captains Bodega and Heceta, June 9-19, 1775. The houses were of hand-split redwood planks, designed for defense and protection. The village was occupied until 1916. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 838 Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Heritage Trinidad and the Humboldt County Historical Society. July 22, 1970

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Town of Trinidad — steps away
• Trinidad Head — 0.6 mi
• Camp Curtis — 12 mi
• Jacoby Building — 13 mi