The Navy dirigible, Shenandoah, over Mendocino Bay, 1924. The Shipping Point can be seen in the background. (Gift of Emery Escola)
A sight unlike anything seen before captivated Mendocino residents in 1924. The Navy dirigible Shenandoah, a colossal airship spanning 680 feet, glided majestically over the town at an altitude of 500 feet. Having departed San Diego the day before, the airship’s journey along the California coast toward Camp Lewis in Tacoma, Washington, drew thousands of onlookers, eager to witness the marvel of aviation technology.
Reports of the Shenandoah’s progress up the coast had locals on high alert. Sightings were first reported at Point Arena around 10:30 a.m., prompting all activity in Mendocino to cease as residents turned their eyes to the skies. By 11 a.m., the dirigible became visible through binoculars, emerging from behind the coastal hills near Kent Ranch. As it drew closer, the airship’s immense size and metallic sheen awed the gathering crowds. One observer described it as resembling “a huge bologna sausage covered with tin foil,” though its slow, deliberate approach soon revealed its true grandeur.
The Shenandoah passed almost directly overhead at 11:40 a.m., offering an extraordinary view of its three powerful motors and cabins nestled beneath its body. Onboard were 44 crew members, including Lieutenant Commander Zachary Lansdowne, along with a newspaper correspondent and a motion picture cameraman documenting the historic flight. The subdued hum of its engines—a stark contrast to the sharp roar of ordinary airplanes—reinforced the ship’s aura of strength and innovation. Clear skies and a gentle breeze added to the spectacle, making the event even more memorable.
As the airship disappeared into the northern horizon, the assembled crowd let out a collective sigh before returning to their daily routines. For Mendocino, the Shenandoah’s passage marked a milestone in aviation history, leaving an indelible impression of the era’s technological ambitions and the allure of the skies.
The Kelley House Museum will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Historic District Walking Tours: 11AM on Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturday, Nov. 30. Haunted Mendocino Walking Tour: 7PM on Saturday, Nov. 30. Visit the Kelley House Event Calendar for tickets.