The discovery of gold in the middle of the nineteenth century changed that and sailors from all over the world risked life and limb to join the mad rush to San Francisco and then on to the gold fields.

Point Arena Cove

Wharf Cove Point Arena

The newly expanding economy required resources and the timber and fish of the northern reaches of the state became very important. The frequency of coastal shipping increased dramatically and a port was established at Point Arena. In the early decades of the 19th century, more Europeans discovered this area. Fur traders trapped sea otters and astute businessmen started the process of harvesting the pristine redwood forests that existed here. Later, the land was cleared and settled by cattle ranches and dairy farms. One of the original Mexican land grants was made to Rafael Garcia in 1844, and the nearby Garcia River still bears his name. Garcia established a cattle ranch along the river in 1845. Gold was discovered in the Sierras a few years later, and San Francisco and Northern California became the focus of attention around the world. There was no gold discovered in Point Arena, however, the rapid growth of San Francisco created a strong demand for lumber. Point Arena had enormous redwood forests that stretched from the hills to the ocean, and eventually fourteen saw mills were established in the immediate area. Point Arena became a thriving lumber town.

Coastal shipping became an important adjunct to the growing communities along the Northern California coast and to the burgeoning timber industry. Small schooners navigated the treacherous waters and were able to access the small coves and bays that the seamen said were holes so small that only a dog could get into and turn around in. As a result, the small craft were called "doghole schooners." Point Arena Harbor became known as one of the better ports of call for these intrepid sailors. In 1870, the Federal Government decided to invest in the area. A lighthouse was built, and a wharf master was named to watch over the small but important port.

The importance of the geographic location of the Arena Cove dates back thousands of years when the Pomo Indian Tribe led an idyllic life amidst virgin forests, clear streams and pristine ocean. The earliest known European explorers to the area, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and Bartolome Ferrelo of Spain, sailed the California coast from Cape Mendocino to Baja California in 1542-43. The expedition was arduous, with disease and death striking the crew. After the untimely death of Cabrillo, Ferrelo took charge of the vessel. It was in these circumstances that Ferrelo spotted a point which "was like a spur of land where the coast turned North Northwest." He named this spur "Cabo de Fortunas" (Cape of Fortune), as a testament to the difficulties encountered on this journey. As Ferrelo observed, the land now known as Point Arena is a natural navigational landmark, with the direction of the coast changing from northwest to a more northerly direction as one travels to the south. In the 300 years succeeding Cabrillo's exploration, Russian, English and American navigators all passed and noted Point Arena. English Captain George Vancouver, while performing a survey of the California Coast in 1792, referred to "Punta Barro de Arena" (Point Bar of Sand) as a conspicuous mark on the coast.

The Wharf Master's House

The Wharf Master's House sits high on a hill overlooking the small harbor. The Wharf Master could literally walk out his parlor door to his porch to see the activity below. Decorated in period antiques the historic home features lovely sleeping accommodations, a magnificent spa room with a two person Jacuzzi tub, fireplace and lounge, full kitchen, formal dining area and comfortable, split-level parlor - not to mention the spectacular extended balcony overlooking the beautiful ocean cove. The feather beds and the sound of the sea will lull you to sleep the same way that it has generations of residents before you. The historic Wharf Master's House was built in 1865. It features many fine architectural detail prevalent in mid-nineteenth century buildings. No expense was spared in the construction of this home as the attention to detail was impeccable, and remains to this day the oldest home in Point Arena. The home was originally built and inhabited by the Wharf Master, who was employed by the city. This important job required an unobstructed view of the Arena Cove, ocean and pier, so this home was build in a location that affords some of the best views of the Pacific Ocean anywhere along the Mendocino Coast. Lovingly restored to its original splendor, the feeling that one gets when entering the home is that of taking a step back in time. Now available as a vacation home for rent, anyone can experience a bit of living history in the luxury of one of the California's jewels along the coast.

Historic Wharf Master's House Built in 1865 in Point Arena