Crescent City Wedding

Crescent City is the county seat, and the only incorporated city, of Del Norte County, California, USA. It is named after the crescent-shaped stretch of sandy beach south of the city. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 4,006, not including the 3,300 prisoners at Pelican Bay State Prison.

Although comprised of many unique features, Crescent City is probably most famous for its susceptibility to tsunamis. According to Humboldt State University, the city experienced tsunami conditions 17 times between the years 1943 and 1994. Although most of these effects were barely perceptible, the city was extensively damaged by a tsunami in 1964, which originated from the Good Friday Earthquake in Alaska. There were 12 fatalities and approximately $15 million in damages in what was the only fatal tsunami ever recorded in the lower 48 states.

The city is deemed to be tsunami-ready today. Its preparedness was tested on June 14, 2005 when an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale hit 90 miles offshore. Reportedly, much of the city was evacuated in a matter of 20 minutes when a tsunami warning was issued, but no waves were reported.