Frank Ephraim Herrick

Frank Ephraim Herrick (1861-1942) was a prominent surveyor and civil engineer in Humboldt County, California, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born near Arcata on Mad River, he was the son of Rufus F. Herrick, a Civil War veteran and former county surveyor. As a boy, Herrick moved to Eureka with his family. At 18, he joined the U.S. government for coastal surveys and harbor improvements, gaining valuable experience in surveying and engineering.

Herrick’s career in public service began in 1889, following his election as Humboldt County Surveyor. In 1901, he became Eureka’s City Engineer, overseeing significant projects like the city’s sewer system. He also served as Chief Engineer for the California and Northwestern Railway and was appointed Deputy U.S. Mineral Surveyor for California in 1903. Beyond his professional endeavors, Herrick was an active community member, affiliated with the Republican Party and a number of Masonic organizations.

Herrick’s legacy includes the Herrick Land Survey and Map Collection, housed at California State Polytechnic University in Humboldt. This collection primarily consists of land survey drawings and maps of Humboldt and Del Norte Counties created by Herrick between 1890 and 1930.