Captain Jonathan Winship made the first recorded entry into Humboldt Bay by sea in June 1806. Encountered in 1849 by Josiah Gregg's party, new word of its existence reached San Francisco. By 1850 the Laura Virginia Association had founded Humboldt City, Union (Arcata), Bucksport, and Eureka. In subsequent years the bay became a major North Coast lumber port and shipbuilding center.

California Registered Historical Landmark No. 882

Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Humboldt County Historical Society.
April 10, 1976