Saturday Speaker Series: Patrick O'Rourke

The Evolution of Redwood Felling Technology in Humboldt Bay (1850-1950)

Join historian and Cal Poly Humboldt Lab Director Patrick D. O’Rourke for a fascinating dive into the untold story of redwood felling technology in the Humboldt Bay region. This presentation explores the evolution of tools and techniques used to cut down the towering Sequoia sempervirens from 1850 to 1950, shedding light on the cultural, industrial, and environmental impacts of the logging industry.

Through an interdisciplinary approach that blends cultural history and archaeology, Patrick analyzes historic objects, equipment catalogs, legal documents, and archival newsreels to uncover how changes in redwood felling technology mirrored evolving relationships between logging companies, workers, the federal government, and the early environmental movement. Featuring rare photos from the Fort Humboldt collection, this livestream offers a fresh perspective on one of America’s most iconic industries. Don’t miss this deep dive into the history of logging innovation and its enduring legacy in Humboldt County and beyond!