Weitchpec is located in the northwestern part of the state at the confluence of the Klamath and Trinity Rivers, and the junction of State Highways 96 and 169.[10]
History
Map of historical Yurok villages at modern Weitchpec
Weitchpec is an ancestral Yurok village that long predates European contact. It was originally known as Weitspus, and was considered a major settlement of the Yurok people. Temporary Euro-American names for the settlement in the 19th century were Durkee's Ferry and Weitchpec Bar.[8] Durkee's Ferry recalls Clark W. Durkee, who operated a ferry at the place in 1851.[8] In 1855, a temporary Federal post called Camp Strowbridge was established at Weitchpec, it was later called Fort Wool. The settlement was first within the bounds of Trinity County, then in 1851 Klamath County and after 1874, Humboldt County. A post office operated at Weitchpec from 1858 to 1860 and from 1891 to 1962.[8]
Today Weitchpec features a small store/gas station owned by the tribe (formerly Pierson's Grocery); the Yurok Tribal Office and Community Center; and Weitchpec Elementary School. As of 2010, evening classes were available in Weitchpec in the Yurok language.[11]
2012 earthquake
A 5.6 earthquake with an epicenter near Weitchpec occurred on February 13, 2012.[12]
Weitchpec CDP, California – Racial and ethnic composition Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
^ abcdDurham, David L. (1998). California's Geographic Names: A Gazetteer of Historic and Modern Names of the State. Clovis, Calif.: Word Dancer Press. p. 165. ISBN1-884995-14-4.
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