Ferndale Historic Town (Humboldt County)

About the Attraction

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A visit to Ferndale Historic Town offers a charming journey back to Victorian-era California. Here's what to expect:

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• Victorian Architecture: Known as the "Victorian Village," Ferndale features remarkably preserved ornate buildings and elegant homes called "Butterfat Palaces," built with wealth from the dairy industry. The entire town is designated as California State Historic Landmark No. 883.

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• Rich Dairy Heritage: Founded in 1852, Ferndale became a pioneering dairy center with numerous innovations including the first sweet cream butter, first milk tank truck, and first cooperative creameries in California, earning it the nickname "Cream City."

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• Cultural Significance: The town's unique isolation fostered a vibrant community with historic churches, halls, and the Ferndale Museum showcasing its development as a transportation hub and agricultural center in the late 19th century.

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It's a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking to experience one of America's most well-preserved Victorian towns, recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a distinctive destination.