Laytonville

History

The Cahto Native Americans lived in the region that would eventually become Cahto, California and Laytonville prior to Europeans settling in the area. They referred to nearby Cahto Mountain as "Signal Peak," as it was used to send and receive smoke signals between local native groups. Laytonville was founded by Nova Scotian Frank B. Layton, who in 1874 built a blacksmithy and house at the site. Layton had previously attempted to set up his blacksmith business in Cahto, but was forced to relocate after an altercation with the local authorities. The first Laytonville post office opened in 1879. In 1885 a road was opened between Laytonville and Covelo, California, and a bridge over the Eel River was constructed in 1892. These additions caused winter travel to flow through Laytonville which increased the town's popularity and business. The town suffered two devastating fires in 1904 and 1907, resulting in the loss of several businesses, including three hotels, a store, and the telephone office.

Geography

Laytonville is located in northern Mendocino County at . It is in the Long Valley, drained to the north by Tenmile Creek, a tributary of the South Fork of the Eel River. The headwaters of the South Fork are south of Laytonville. U.S. Route 101 passes through the center of town, leading south through Willits to Ukiah, the Mendocino county seat, and northwest to Leggett. According to the United States Census Bureau, the Laytonville CDP has a total area of , of which , or 1.16%, are water.

Race & ethnicity