Fort Seward (Humboldt County, California)

Humboldt County · California · Bald Hills War

Quick BriefA military camp called Fort Seward 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. Fort Seward was decommissioned in 1862. The post operated for less than a year as part of the District of Humboldt's operations during the Civil War conflict in northwest California.

History & Significance

The name honors William H. Seward, Secretary of State under President Abraham Lincoln. Established in response to escalating conflict during the Bald Hills War, Fort Seward occupied a strategic position recommended by Lieutenant Joseph B. Collins of the 4th Infantry Regiment on the upper Eel River, approximately 65 miles southeast of Fort Humboldt.

Fort Humboldt supported Camp Curtis, Fort Gaston, Camp Lyon, Fort Baker, Fort Iaqua, Fort Anderson, and Fort Seward which were the base of operations for the soldiers in the Bald Hills War. Federal soldiers were recalled to eastern battlefields and were replaced by units of the California Volunteers.

These volunteers were drawn from local settlers who inaugurated a hard line and violent policy toward the native peoples. The post closed within months of its founding, but the location retained military significance: 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. The settlement that developed at Fort Seward later became a modest civilian community, with a post office operating from 1912 to 1972.