Introducing Arcata
On a hill overlooking Humboldt Bay, Arcata was founded in 1850 by the Union Timber Company. Originally called Union Town, it was a base for nearby lumber camps. In the late 1850s when Bret Harte worked here as a journalist, the town became the setting for some of his Gold Rush-era stories. Today, Humboldt State University (HSU) has redefined Arcata as a college town.
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The aesthetic is decidedly scruffy, and posses of fun-loving carousing students roam downtown on weekend evenings. On the plaza keep your distance from the ragtag junkie punks. Arcata prides itself on its go-it-alone far-left politics. Indeed, the City Council passed an ordinance in April 2003, not only condemning the USA Patriot Act, but outlawing voluntary compliance with it. If you like to argue politics, you’re gonna love it here.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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Recent posts
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Northern California hitchhiking adventure
by gabejedmo 31 May 2012
Following is a short movie I created, a day in the life of a hitchhiker. I hitchhiked from Arcata in Humboldt County, northern California…
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RE: Should we see the redwoods of Arcata or the sequoia in Yousemite?
by montereyjack 28 May 2012
General Admission standing room only for that show at the Fillmore.
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RE: Should we see the redwoods of Arcata or the sequoia in Yousemite?
by skdavies 28 May 2012
WOW, you guys are incredibly informative. I wish we had done this two months ago. As crazy as it is we are going next week and based on…
Hotels & Hostels in Arcata
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