Glass Beach (Fort Bragg, California)

Glass Beach is a beach in Fort Bragg, California that was created from years of dumping garbage into an area of coastline near the northern part of the town.

History

In the early 20th century, Fort Bragg residents threw their household trash over these cliffs. They discarded glass, appliances, and even cars. The land was owned at that time by the Union Lumber Company, and locals referred to it as "The Dumps." Sometimes fires would be lit to reduce the size of the trash pile.

In 1967, the "North Coast Water Quality Board" and city leaders closed the area and various cleanup programs were undertaken through the years to correct the damage.

Over the next several decades the pounding waves cleansed the beach, wearing down the discarded glass into the small, smooth, colored trinkets that coat the beach today.

Tourism

The area is now frequently visited by tourists, who scour the beach for interesting curios to take home as souvenirs.

Warning: the path from the road down to the beach is somewhat treacherous, so curious visitors should be sure to wear shoes with good tread. It is not uncommon for unprepared visitors to injure themselves on the way down.

ee also

There is another similar beach in Benicia, California

External links

* http://www.fortbragg.com/fort-bragg-attractions.php