Camp Curtis, Arcata
Per the California State Military Museum:
Today, all that remains of Camp Curtis is a California Historical Landmark. Before its official establishment in September 1862, it was called Camp on Janes Farm and was used by local volunteer companies of the California Militia as early as 1858 during the “Indian Wars“. Camp Curtis was the headquarters of the 1st Battalion of Mountaineers of California Volunteers from 1862 until 1865. In 1863, Captain George Ousley and 34 soldiers of Company B of the Battalion first garrisoned Camp Curtis near Daby’s s Ferry [per LCM--this is at Essex, off Hwy 299 between Arcata and Blue Lake] and then moved to Fawn Prairie on the Hoopa Trail.
A bronze tablet commemorating the camp’s site was unveiled on October 5, 1930. Location: Take the Sunset Avenue off ramp from US Highway 101, go North 0.9 mile on L. K. Wood Boulevard frontage road in Arcata
[Click HERE for current photos of the location and bronze tablet]
From the War of the Rebellion Letters-correspondence records from the Civil War.
HEADQUARTERS HUMBOLDT MILITARY DISTRICT, Fort Humboldt, September 22, 1863.
Lieutenant E. HALE,
First Battalion Mountainers, Cal. Vols., Commanding Camp Curtis:
SIR: In placing you in command of detachment at Camp Curtis, the district commander had in view the protection from Indian hostilities the town of Arcata and adjacent settlements. This will be your special duty. With the force at your command it is believed that you can prevent the murder by Indians of any more citizens in that vicinity. It is not expected that you will send parties on distant scouts, but that your command will be constantly alert and use all possible endeavors to kill or capture all wild Indians which may venture into your neighborhood. You are at liberty in your discretion to send a few men at a time on short scouts, say, to Little River, Angel Ranch, Mad River, &c., but not when it will interfere with the protection of Arcata and its immediate vicinity. Upon Lieutenant Middleton’s arrival your command will be increased by five men of Company B. While you hold command at Camp Curtis it is expected the necessary discipline will be observed – a guard at night, the regular roll-cals, &c.
By order of Lieutenant Colonel S. G. Whipple.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. W. HANNA,
First Lieutenant and Adjt. First Batt. Mountaineers, Cal. Vols.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
Posted by Lynette M 
