Crescent City   



Humboldt County's first residents hailed from the Yurok, Karuk, Wiyot, Chilula, Whilkut and Hupa tribes, among others. They settled on the coast and along the banks of the Trinity and Klamath rivers. The county was created in May 1853 and derives its name from Humboldt Bay, which was "discovered" by a sea otter hunting party in 1806 and rediscovered in 1849. Douglas Ottinger and Hans Buhne entered the bay in 1850 and named it in honor of naturalist and explorer Baron Alexander von Humboldt.

Del Norte County has been home to the Yurok and Tolowa peoples for thousands of years. Legendary explorer Jedediah Smith is credited with being the first non-native to enter the region, in 1828. Gold strikes on the Klamath and Smith Rivers in the 1850s led to the settlement of the county, which was created in March 1857. Its name, meaning "the north" is derived from its position in the northwest corner of the state.

Statistics
Population: 7,550
(includes 3,260 Pelican Bay inmates)
Settled: 1853, incorporated 1854
Median Home Price:
October 2004 - March 2005: $164,975
October 2003 - March 2004: $170,000
October 2002 - March 2003: $115,000
October 2001 - March 2002: $110,000

City Government
Mayor: Dennis Burns
Mayor pro-tem: Irene Tynes
City Manager: Eli Naffah
City Council: Richard Enea, Dennis Burns, Herb Kolodner, Irene Tynes, Mike Scavuzzo. The council meets on the first and third Mondays of the month at 6 p.m. in the Crescent City Cultural Center, 1001 Front St.

City Contacts
City Hall
377 J St.,
464-7483, fax 465-4405
visit site

Chamber of Commerce
1001 Front, Crescent City 95531
464-3174
visit site

Del Norte Economic
Development Corp.
882 H St., Crescent City 95531
464-2169

Library
190 Price Mall
464-9793

Police
686 G St.
464-2133

Fire
520 I St.
464-9506
Battery Point Lighthouse is 150 years old and has not been used since 1965.
  Crescent City was named after its naturally crescent-shaped bay. It is situated at the northern gateway to the Redwood National and State Parks, which is home to giant coastal redwoods — some towering at more than 300 feet high.
  Traveling north on U.S. Highway 101 from Eureka to Crescent City has to be one of the most beautiful coastal drives in California. Eighty-four miles of jutting rocks, redwood trees and wild rivers gives visitors a true appreciation the unique coastline.
  The rich history of this city dates back to 1850 when it was established as a working port. The Battery Point Lighthouse — which turns 150 this year — is a popular tourist attraction that gives visitors an insight into the city’s maritime character. On a clear day, those with sharp eyes can also see its sister lighthouse standing guard offshore at Point Saint George.
  The ocean nearly brought an end to this community when a large tsunami hit the city March 29, 1964, destroying 29 downtown blocks and killing 11 people. Crescent City residents, with typical North Coast undaunted spirit, made a quick comeback and the city was soon functioning at full force.
  Crescent City’s amenities include: The Del Norte Historical Society Museum, the Redwood National and State Parks Visitor Center, the North Coast Marine Mammal Center, the College of the Redwoods Education Center, the Crescent City Cultural Center, a public pool, a library, tribal casinos and Beachfront Park.
  Visitors to Crescent City can take part in a number of diverse annual events. Beginning in February, enjoy the World Championship Crab Races and Crab Feed. Race your own live crab, visit local artisan booths, or feast on our fresh native Dungeness variety.
  In March, the Aleutian Goose Festival begins, featuring dozens of workshops and events centered around the migration of the Aleutian Geese to the area. View details of the event at www.aleutiangoosefestival.org.
  In July, the city plays host to thousands of visitors for a two-day Fourth of July celebration and fireworks show. On July 3, a traditional “Deck Party” is held — featuring food, drinks, prize drawings and live entertainment. July Fourth festivities begin with a parade through downtown Crescent City; afterwards stroll over to the marketplace in Beachfront Park, which features local artists, a variety of food vendors, live entertainment throughout the day and a spectacular fireworks display over the Pacific Ocean to serve as the event finale.
  October brings the roar of classic cars converging on the city for the annual Sea Cruise Classic Car Show. This three-day event includes a show and shine, a display in Beachfront Park featuring hundreds of classic cars, and an awards presentation.
  Visit the outdoor marketplace for car related crafts and items or enjoy food and drinks while listening to live music.
  For detailed event information, go online to www.northerncalifornia.net or call the Crescent City/Del Norte Chamber of Commerce.