On This Day in Arcata

Founded in 1858 as the town of Union, the city of Arcata is the cultural capital of Humboldt County. Historically known for its logging, fishing and dairy traditions, modern-day Arcata has evolved into a place where the artistic, the politically and environmentally active and those looking for a university education come to give full flower to their energies. The town boasts the municipally owned, sustainably managed Arcata Community Forest, the innovative and famed Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, Humboldt State University, an annual Kinetic Sculpture Race, more than two dozen parks and a vivid political scene. The town square, known as the Plaza, has at its center a statue of President William McKinley, which oversees the vibrant weekly Farmers’ Market and numerous yearly fairs, including the Fourth of July Jubilee.