The Alford-Nielson Home, is the only example of Second Empire architecture in Humboldt County, California. Located on Main Street in Ferndale, California, the back of the house was originally built in the downtown area in 1874 for pharmacist William B. Alford and family. It was moved in 1893 to its current location with the family in residence. In 1896 the Second Empire front building with Mansard roof and bays was added. The house fell off the footings in the 1992 Cape Mendocino earthquakes and was restored.