Embedded Files
Painting by Paul Rickard
Why was the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse relocated?
In the winter of 2017-18, coastal erosion and heavy rainfall undermined the stability of the landmark structure, built in 1949 on the bluffs above Trinidad Bay by the Trinidad Civic Club. The Lighthouse was moved on January 10, 2018 to a temporary location in Trinidad Harbor, at the invitation of the Cher-ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria, when local engineers advised the Club it would not survive another rainy winter. The Rancheria’s generous offer was gratefully accepted.
Trinidad Civic Club Members at the Dedication Ceremony of the new Memorial Lighthouse Monument
October 12, 2025
What were the plans for developing the Memorial Lighthouse Monument?
The Trinidad Rancheria, the Trinidad Civic Club and the Yurok Tribe were liaisons on the Selection Committee to find a location for the Lighthouse. The local community was invited to provide input and give suggestions, after which the Harbor location was selected as the permanent site. The process began for developing plans for the Monument, which included the Lighthouse and the Fog Bell. City and Coastal Development permits were obtained, while design, engineering, contracting and construction contracts were awarded.
What was the cost of building the Monument?
Fundraising efforts went into full gear, appeals to the community were sent and the Club embarked on an 8-year campaign to raise the money without knowing the final cost, but it was clearly going to be significant. Partnership with the Trinidad Rancheria was instrumental in providing resources and assistance for this endeavor. Support from the Greater Trinidad community and Humboldt County residents was essential. The total investment, including Rancheria and in-kind contributions, was $642,600.
Why was this investment important for the community?
The Monument commemorates the lives of hundreds lost or buried at sea, including local fisherman, Coast Guardsmen and pilots, and preserves maritime navigational history with the original Fresnel lens from the 1871 Trinidad Head Lighthouse and the 1898 Fog Bell, both decommissioned when electricity was installed in the 1940s. The Club is the steward of these memorials, entrusted with the memory of loved ones for generations to come.
Why is the Monument a travel destination for families and tourists?
The Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse, now part of the Monument, is the most iconic landmark in Humboldt County & the North Coast—the most visited, photographed and remembered site of all. Families come to reflect on the lives of their memorialized loved ones, while others visit the Lighthouse for historical reasons. The Monument endures as a place to honor the past and serve as a beacon of hope for the future.
Report abuse