City's History

The north coast of Mendocino County, once inhabited by Native Americans of the Pomo tribe for approximately 10,000 years, has a rich history. In 1855, the Mendocino Indian Reservation was established, but it was short-lived, with Fort Bragg as a military post abandoned in 1865. Incorporated as a city on August 5, 1889, Fort Bragg evolved as a lumber industry hub and thrived after the 1906 earthquake, supplying lumber for San Francisco's reconstruction. Commercial fishing also played a crucial role in the city's economic base. Over the years, Fort Bragg transitioned from resource extraction to a tourism service-oriented economy. Located 165 miles north of San Francisco, the city occupies 2.7 square miles and has a population of 7,273.