Historic Ferndale Landmarks

The entire town of Ferndale is designated California Historical Landmark No. 883 - and a dreamland for tourists and history buffs alike. Here are some of the more notable landmarks in historic Ferndale.

Ferndale historic Cemetery

One of the most photographed historic cemeteries in California, the Ferndale Cemetery rambles romantically over a steep, Rhododendron-studded hillside just two blocks from Main Street. Stroll through aisles of historic headstones amid wisps of fog in the early morning or catch the sun setting over the ocean on a clear evening. Open 9am to 6pm.

Fernbridge

Spanning the Eel River and serving as gateway to Ferndale, historic Fernbridge is a 1,320-foot-long concrete arch bridge designed by American engineer John B. Leonard and built in 1911. Known as the "Queen of Bridges," it is the longest, functional poured concrete bridge in operation in the world and was prominently featured in the 1995 movie Outbreak, filmed in and around Ferndale.

 
Fern Cottage

The picturesque historic home of Ferndale's founding Russ Family, Fern Cottage is one of few houses in California lived in by members of the same family since the 1870s and maintains its original Victorian furnishings. Guided tours available, call for information. Located three miles west of Ferndale at 2121 Centerville Road; from Ferndale's Main Street, take Ocean Avenue west (Ocean becomes Centerville). (707) 786-4835

Ferndale Library

Built in 1909, the Ferndale Library is the last Carnegie Library in northwestern California still functioning as a public library, and a charming example of Neoclassical architecture. Volunteers with Friends of the Ferndale Library work hard to bring new programs and improvements to keep this little library going strong.
Located at 807 Main St, call (707) 786-9559. Curbside pickup Tues-Sat noon-4pm; express service hours Tues, Wed, Thurs & Sat noon-5pm & Friday noon-4 pm. Contact Friends of the Ferndale Library at P.O. Box 176, Ferndale, CA 95536.

The Shaw House

The oldest home in Ferndale, the Shaw House was built in 1854 by town founder Seth Shaw, who arrived with his brother by canoe in 1852. Since then, the fanciful Carpenter Gothic Victorian style house has served as a courthouse, post office, single-family dwelling and - currently - an historic bed and breakfast. The Shaw House was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 13, 1984. Located at 703 Main St.

Ferndale, CA Historical Landmarks Interactive Map

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