About Arcata

Originally called Union Town by settlers, Arcata reclaimed its original Native American name, roughly meaning “a place to land” or “where there is flat water”, 1n 1860.

In 2006, Arcata’s population was estimated to be 17,294. This college town is home to Humboldt State University, the most northern of all 23 California State University campuses. With a student body equaling nearly half the city’s total population, Arcata is a classic example of a traditional “college town”.

Arcata hosts the Humboldt Crabs, the nation’s longest continuously operated semi-pro baseball team, which has played every season since 1945.  It is also home to the Minor Theater, one of the oldest operating movies-only theaters in the United States.

For a more extensive history of Arcata, please visit the city’s website.