Located on a grassy bluff overlooking Humboldt Bay, this old military post was established in 1853 to assist in conflict resolution between the Native Americans and gold hungry settlers. Brevet Lt. Colonel Robert C. Buchanan were first assigned to protect settlers on Humboldt Bay. His orders were to establish a post in the vicinity of Uniontown. Ulysses S. Grant was commander of the fort for 4 months. At its heyday, the fort had 14 buildings all of crude plank construction, though most were plastered inside. Most original buildings are gone, but the hospital and surgeon’s quarters have been reconstructed. The fort was abandoned in 1870.

In 1955, Fort Humboldt State Historic Park was established. Long-range plans call for the reconstruction of other buildings that would return the fort to its original appearance. The park includes a collection of historic logging equipment including the Dolbeer type steam donkey called "Lucy," the Bear Harbor Lumber Co. Gypsy Locomotive #1 and the Elk River Mill and Lumber Co. #1 "Falk" locomotive. The park’s most recent addition is a Historic Garden which includes a variety of plants that were popular and available in the mid-1850’s

• Visitation: 25,000/year
• Location: On a grassy bluff overlooking Humboldt Bay in south Eureka one block off HWY. 101 via Highland Ave. (near Bayshore Mall)
• Address: 3431 Fort Ave., Eureka, CA 95503.
• Telephone: (707) 445-6567
• Operating hours/seasons: Open all year 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Reconstructed hospital building open summer 8-5, other months by arrangement. Logging exhibits 8-5 all year.
• Climate/recommended clothing: Coastal/temperate. Summer 50°-60°. Morning & evening fog is common. Winter 40°-50° with 35" of annual rainfall occurring mostly Nov.-May.
• Travel Directions: South side of Eureka one block off HWY. 101 via Highland Ave.
• Fees/costs/rates: None
• Transportation (to the park/in the park): Greyhound Bus line has a terminal in Eureka. Humboldt Transit bus stops on HWY. 101 adjacent to Ft. Humboldt. No transportation in park needed. Park is flat & very walkable.
• Facilities: Historic reconstruction of buildings, grassy bluff, picnic tables, logging machinery displays, visitor center with exhibits & bookstore, rest rooms.
• Reservations/permits: N/A
• Basic visit recommendations: Visit hospital building with exhibits that explain fort operation & history. Allow additional time to walk through outdoor exhibits & historic logging equipment including steam donkeys, locomotives, etc.
• Special events/programs: NOTE: These activities are currently under consideration – there is a possibility that they will NOT occur in 2001. Monthly logging equipment "Steam Up" of historic logging equipment the 3rd Saturday monthly May-Sept., Dolbeer Donkey Days (2 day event) in April featuring logging equipment in operation and logging skills competition, Ft. Humboldt Days-annual event in August where examples of military camp life, period domestic arts and crafts, hand weapons, blacksmithing, period dress and demonstrations. Junior Ranger programs (ages 7-12) during summer season.
• Visitor impacts: Low use park. Generally able to stroll leisurely through displays without interruption.
• Adjacent visitor attractions: Old town Eureka, harbor and Clarke Museum, Azalea State Reserve, Little River State Beach, Patrick’s Point S.P. to the north. Victorian village of Ferndale, Humboldt Redwoods S.P. & Avenue of the Giants, Grizzly Creek S.P. to the south.