HSU Library Special Collections catalog number 1999.07.2792

South side of the Plaza. Seely photo, 1914. The railroad connecting Humboldt County to the rest of California was completed in 1914. Prior to the railroad, most travel to and from the County was by way of ship. Arcata had the nickname “The White City,” it was understood at the time that buildings were to be painted white. The City took pride in the way Arcata appeared to glow against the backdrop of forested hills.