40°13′23″N 123°38′36″W / 40.22306°N 123.64333°W
Fort Seward | |
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Fort Seward Location in California Fort Seward Fort Seward (the United States) | |
Coordinates: 40°13′23″N 123°38′36″W / 40.22306°N 123.64333°W | |
Country | United States |
State | California |
County | Humboldt County |
Elevation | 328 ft (100 m) |
Fort Seward is an unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California.[1] It is located on the Eel River 3.5 miles (5.6 km) north-northwest of Alderpoint,[2] at an elevation of 328 feet (100 m).[1] The name honors William H. Seward, Secretary of State under President Abraham Lincoln.[2]
A military camp called Fort Seward[3] was established during the Bald Hills War on September 25, 1861, by Major Charles S. Lovell following a series of skirmishes with the Indians along the Eel River. It was built on the location recommended by Lieutenant Joseph B. Collins, U.S. 4th Infantry Regiment:
Fort Seward was decommissioned in 1862.[2] It was later the site where the captured Lassic Wailaki leader during the Bald Hills War and his men were killed by local militiamen in January 1863.[5]
A post office operated at Fort Seward from 1912 to 1972.[2] Fort Seward was served by passenger service on the Northwestern Pacific Railroad until 1971.