For shelter, the Pomo built wikiups. | Mendocino Railroad History website.
The first inhabitants of the region were the Bokeya Pomo, who established their village, Pda’hau, near the mouth of the Garcia River. Like other California Indian tribes, the Bokeya were self-sufficient, relying on the abundant resources of the ocean, rivers, forests, and coastal shelf.
In 1542, Spanish explorers arrived and named the headland Cabo de Fortunas (Cape of Fortune) in acknowledgment of their difficult journey. In 1775, the cape was renamed Punta Delgado (“narrow point”), which later evolved into Punta Barra de Arena (“sandbar point”) and finally Point Arena (“sand point”). The point itself is a narrow peninsula that extends roughly half a mile (800 meters) into the Pacific Ocean.
Point Arena became a key navigational landmark, with its first wharf constructed in 1866. This development transformed Point Arena into the “busiest town between San Francisco and Eureka.” At its peak, the town produced 200,000 board feet of redwood lumber daily and served as the primary shipping port for agricultural products along the Mendocino coast. As timber shipments increased, Point Arena gained a reputation not only for its bustling wharf but also for its treacherous coastline, which led to frequent shipwrecks.
Ruins of the Point Arena Lighthouse, 1906
The rising number of shipwrecks prompted the U.S. government to order the construction of a lighthouse at Point Arena in 1866. Built from brick, the lighthouse required 600,000 bricks, sourced either locally or brought in from San Francisco. It stood 100 feet tall, with a base diameter of 22 feet and walls 6 feet thick. The total cost of the project was $120,000, and its light could be seen from 19 miles offshore. In 1906, the San Francisco earthquake severely damaged much of Point Arena, including its lighthouse. However, the town was quickly rebuilt, becoming home to ranchers, foresters, and fishermen.
In 1870, t
he first lumber mill was built along the Garcia River, about five miles east of Point Arena. Transporting the manufactured lumber to the wharf proved challenging, leading to the construction of a flume that used water and gravity to move the timber. The lumber was first lifted by an elaborate conveyor up a steep hill, then hauled by horse to the bluff top, where it was loaded onto trains. Finally, the timber was channeled down a chute to be loaded onto waiting vessels at the cove.
Point Arena was incorporated on July 3, 1908, following a local debate over whether the town should sell alcohol or remain “dry.” At the time, Point Arena had 14 liquor licenses, and incorporation allowed the town to regulate alcohol sales and retain a larger share of local tax revenue.
In 1927, a devastating fire destroyed much of the town. In response, the local economy shifted as lumber mills and ranches closed, and tourism began to grow. The structures that had served the old economy—such as hotels for mill workers, blacksmith shops, and saloons—were replaced by those catering to the new economy, including gas stations and a movie theater. Much of the commercial district was rebuilt between 1927 and 1928, giving downtown Point Arena its timeless appearance.
In January 1983, a powerful storm struck Arena Cove, destroying the pier and fish
house while severely damaging the historic boathouse and café. Although not the first such incident, it was the most damaging since the original wharf was built. In 1987, a new steel and concrete pier, 322 feet long and equipped with a boat hoist, was completed and remains in use today.
Point Arena’s independent spirit, which drove it to rebuild twice in less than 30 years, persists. Today, residents take pride in their self-sufficient community, which thrives amidst the open fields and stunning vistas along the Pacific Ocean. The town remains proudly independent, meeting its needs without relying on large outside corporations.
With its historic wharf, iconic lighthouse, and natural beauty, Point Arena continues to attract visitors. For its citizens, however, Point Arena is more than just a stop along the road. It is a unique place with a distinctive character, inhabited by equally unique people.
Point Arena’s spirit of independence remains as strong as ever.
For more on the history of Point Arena, check out The Early Days of Point Arena by Steve Oliff and Cheri Carlstedt.
