Town of Trinidad

The bronze calls Klamath County disbanded, which undersells it: it is the only county California has ever abolished. Carved from Trinity County in 1851, it ran from the Mad River to Oregon and kept its seat here for three years before losing it to Crescent City, then to Orleans Bar upriver among the miners. Crescent City answered by founding Del Norte County in 1857. By 1874 Klamath was in debt, its books in disarray and one election had drawn more votes than voters; the legislature divided what was left between Humboldt and Siskiyou.

What the plaque says

Town of Trinidad Founded April 8, 1850, Trinidad is the oldest town on the northern California coast. During the 1850's, it served as a vital supply link between ships anchored at Trinidad Bay and miners in the Klamath, Trinity, Salmon River, and Gold Bluff mines. It was the county seat of Klamath County (now disbanded) from 1851 to 1854, but its population declined as Eureka and other area port cities developed. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 216 Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, Eureka Chapter #101, June 7, 1981.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Old Indian Village of Tsurai — steps away
• Trinidad Head — 0.5 mi
• Camp Curtis — 12 mi
• Jacoby Building — 14 mi