About Fortuna

Fortuna (formerly, Slide, Springville) is a city in western-central Humboldt County, California, United States. The population was 11,926 at the 2010 census, up from 10,497 at the 2000 census. The city lies on the northeast shore of the Eel River (approximately 9 miles (14 km) from where it enters the Pacific Ocean), and is on U.S. Route 101.

The settlement was originally called "Slide", for Slide Hill, in 1874. Named for the slide that was a fixture on the northeast side of the Eel River and the southwest portion of Christian Ridge just to the northwestern edge of town. But, in 1875, the name was changed to "Springville" during the construction of the Springville Mill, a lumber and saw mill for the nearby redwood forests, named so because of the numerous springs in the area. The mill was being built by the Springville Mill Company, and its owners Henry Rohner (namesake of neighboring Rohnerville), Alexander Masson, M. N. Weber and G. F. Gushaw. Springville was originally a company town (belonging to the Springville Mill) and the few people that resided there all worked for the mill. By the late 1870s, Springville was large enough to warrant a post office, but there already existed a town called Springville, California (now part of Camarillo, in Ventura County) in the state of California. The post office was named Slide on May 24, 1876. In 1884 the residents petitioned the state legislature for the name of "Fortuna", Spanish for "fortune" and Latin for "chance", and by July 3, 1888 the name was changed to Fortuna.

The name was chosen when settlers saw the proximity of the forests, the river and its valley, and the Pacific Ocean, as ideal for enjoying the quality of life, and felt "fortunate" to live there. It is believed that a local minister and real estate agent, wanting to sell lots to newcomers, came up with the name as a marketing gimmick.

Fortuna is located seven miles (11 km) from the Pacific coast within the Eel River Valley of Humboldt County in Northwest California. The community is affected by coastal weather patterns with the Pacific Ocean to the west. Fortuna is served by Hwy 101 providing direct access to San Francisco 253 miles (407 km) to the south and to Eureka (County Seat) 14 miles (23 km) to the north. The western terminus of Hwy 36 intersects Hwy 101 one-mile (1.6 km) south of the city limits. Fortuna is surrounded by National, State and County Redwood parks, and is the gateway to the redwood forests of Northern California. Sequoia sempervirens grow as high as a 30-story building and live to be 2,500 years old. It is humbling to stand in a redwood grove cathedral and realize these trees were alive when the Romans ruled the world. The 33-mile (53 km) Avenue of the Giants drive offers one of the most spectacular views of the Redwoods as it brings visitors through grove after grove. Stops include Founders Grove, the Visitor Center near Weott and several places that provide trail access.