Fort Seward is an unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California. It is located on the Eel River 3.5 mi north-northwest of Alderpoint, at an elevation of 328 feet (100 m). The name honors William H. Seward, Secretary of State under President Abraham Lincoln.

History

A military camp called Fort Seward was established during the Bald Hills War on September 25, 1861, by Major Charles S. Lovell following a series of skirmishes with the Indians along the Eel River. It was built on the location recommended by Lieutenant Joseph B. Collins, U.S. 4th Infantry Regiment: Fort Seward was decommissioned in 1862. It was later the site where the captured Lassic Wailaki leader during the Bald Hills War and his men were killed by local militiamen in January 1863. A post office operated at Fort Seward from 1912 to 1972. Fort Seward was served by passenger service on the Northwestern Pacific Railroad until 1971.