Gregory W. Coan

The California earthquake of April 18, 1906 ranks as one of the most significant earthquakes of all time. Today, its importance comes more from the wealth of scientific knowledge derived from it than from its sheer size. Rupturing the northernmost 430 kilometers of the San Andreas Fault from northwest of San Juan Bautista to the triple junction at Cape Mendocino, the earthquake confounded contemporary geologists with its large, horizontal displacements and great rupture length.

Located at latitude 38° 57' 10", longitude 123° 44' 42", Point Arena has long been a prominent point on the California coast. The earliest known European explorers of the area, Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo and Bartolomi 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.