Camp Grant (Humboldt County, California)
Humboldt County · California · American Civil War
History & Significance
Camp Grant was established during the Bald Hills War against local Indians, waged concurrently with the American Civil War. The camp was founded on the Eel River in October 1863 and garrisoned by Company E of the 1st Battalion of Mountaineers under Captain John Y. Simpson.
Between May and September 1864, Simpson and his troops engaged in multiple skirmishes at Grouse Creek, Matole, Big Flat, and along the North Fork Eel River. During these operations the company captured 166 Native Americans and sent them to the Round Valley Reservation in 1864.
The Bald Hills War ended in August 1864, and Company E was mustered out at Fort Humboldt on June 14, 1865. Camp Grant was abandoned shortly thereafter. A post office operated at the location from 1868 to 1895, and in the 20th century, land sales to Humboldt Redwoods State Park transformed the site into part of a state preserve.
Key Facts
Map
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🧳 Visiting
What you’ll see when you visit:
- Civil War–era Union Army installation ruins along South Fork Eel River
- Historic settlement remains within old-growth redwood forest setting
- Bald Hills War history and Native American conflict context
- Part of Humboldt Redwoods State Park with scenic riverside access
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_Grant,_California
- https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-battle-units-detail.htm?battleUnitCode=UCA0001BI
- https://www.militarymuseum.org/CaVolRegts.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_in_the_American_Civil_War
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Humboldt_State_Historic_Park