History & Culture

Understanding the Heritage of Redwood National and State Parks

Redwood National and State Parks' history is deeply rooted in diverse cultural and natural landscapes. Discover how Indigenous communities, early settlers, and conservation efforts shaped the region. Explore our photo project, "Then and Now," which visually connects historical redwood sites across a century. Learn about cultural resources, historical landscapes, World War II sites like Radar Station B-71, historic orchards, and sites such as the Prairie Creek Fish Hatchery and Lyons Ranch. Each element tells the story of how these lands have evolved over time.

 
 
Yurok village buildings made of redwood planks.
Cultural Resources

Humans have lived in the Redwoods since time immemorial.

Smoke rises from a log mill on a beach in front of forested hills
Then And Now

A photo project showing historical redwood sites up to one-hundred years apart.

Black and white photo of three woman and a young boy in front of a tree
Historic Orchards

There are at least nine orchards within the parks, including Lyons Ranches Home Place Orchard and Boyes Prairie Orchard.

Black and white photo of 1940s-era California farm
World War II Radar Station: B-71

The Klamath River Radar Station B-71, located near Klamath, California, is a rare, surviving World War II early-warning radar station.

A large wood barn with a high peak roof
Lyons Ranch

This historical site is an example of a farming operation created and managed by a mix of cultures: Yurok and Euro-American settler

Historic image of several men standing by an artificial pond next to a wood building
Prairie Creek Fish Hatchery

Prairie Creek Fish Hatchery is one of only three surviving historic hatcheries in California.

Last updated: October 25, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1111 Second Street
Crescent City, CA 95531

Phone:

707 464-6101

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