McKinleyville

McKinleyville is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California, United States. McKinleyville is located 5.25mi north of Arcata, at an elevation of. The population was 15,177 at the 2010 census, up from 13,599 at the 2000 census. This unincorporated community is the third largest community, after Eureka and Arcata, on the far North Coast and larger than five of seven cities in the county. It is also the location of the Arcata-Eureka Airport, the largest airport in Humboldt County and the region.HistoryThe Wiyot and Yurok people lived in this area prior to European settlement. Both native groups still have a role in the local scene.McKinleyville is a community made up of a combination of smaller settlements. Joe Dows settled in the general area in the 1860s and that area was known as Dows Prairie. Slightly south was a small community called Minor (also known as Minorville). Minor was first settled in the late-19th century. Just south of Minor was Calville. Calville was settled by the employees of the California Barrel Company. After President William McKinley was assassinated in 1901 the community of Minor changed its name to McKinleyville in his honor. All three areas are collectively considered to be part of McKinleyville.The first post office at McKinleyville opened in 1903, closed in 1921, and was re-opened in 1955.