Fortuna, CA

"Our town, USA"

Nominated by Julie Wilson

The winding Eel River, a bountiful resource for Fortuna’s early settlers. (Credit: Julie Wilson)

Friendly people, the wonderful fire and police departments, the Eel River, and the Pacific Ocean all make Fortuna one of the Nicest Places in America. Cows, sheep, horses and lots of wild life surround the area, making it the perfect rodeo spot, with one of the oldest Rodeo’s occurring yearly. We also have wonderful parks and playgrounds, and are constructing a new senior center.

Stories About Fortuna

Long before Fortuna was known as “The Friendly City,” the unincorporated town was called Slide and later named Springville. My husband’s family first came to the area in 1850’s looking for oil and found it, but not enough to have a commercial operation. Still, they stayed and helped develop the Eel River valley and the towns in the area such as Ferndale, Arcata, Fernbridge and Fortuna.