Historical Markers in
Marin County, California

(Novato) City Hall 1870’s Ranch Shed 1884 San Francisco & Northern Pacific Railroad Depot 1890 Folk Victorian Residence 1890’s Drawbridge Gatehouse 1895 Ark Houseboat 1906 Arks Victorian Influence 1920 Folk Victorian Cottage 1920 Folk Victorian Dwelling 1920 Victorian Cottage 1925 Victorian Saloon 600 Bunkmates Angel Island AT&T & RCA Receiving Stations Ayala Cove Bank of Sausalito Battery Alexander Battery Construction No. 129 Battery Mendell Becker Building Beryl and Leonard Buck Hall Bowling and Dollars Bradford House Burdell Frame House Burdell Mansion Calvary Presbyterian Church Camilo Ynitia’s Adobe Caring for Soldiers China Cabin China Camp Cold War Defense Cold War Legacy: Missiles to Marine Mammals Common Murres Construction 129 Cook House Cypress Knoll DeBorba's Defending the Bay Dixie Schoolhouse Dr. Lyford's Stone Tower Drakes Bay Druid's Hall/ Loustaunau's Hall Druids Hall Falkirk Community Cultural Center Fall in Muir Woods Fashion Shop Fiedler's General Store Fleming Rooming House Fort McDowell’s General Store Francis Drake Galen and Mary Burdell Getting to Marconi Golden Gate Ferry Green Brae Brick Kiln Greenbrae Brickyard Superintendent's Cottage Grist Mill Stones Guarding the Post High Water Mark Hilarita Historic Dedication of the Lagunitas Road Bridge History of the Tiburon Trestle Honoring the Contributions of Chinese Immigrants Indiana Jones James M. Donahue Ferry Bell James Yeh Jau Liu John Reed's Saw Mill Junk Grace Quan Lives of Sacrifice and Service are Honored Here Lloyd Andrews Hamilton Looking Back at Belvedere Marin Marin County Civic Center Marin French Cheese Company Mason's Garage McNeil’s Pioneer Boathouse Mill Valley Railroad Depot Ministering to all Faiths Mission San Rafael Arcangel Mortars to Missiles Nike Missile Site SF88 Northwestern Pacific Northwestern Pacific Railroad Nova Albion Novato Bank Novato Bank Building Novato History Museum Novato's First Railroad Station Old Mill Market Hikers' Trail Map Old Novato City Hall Old Saint Hilary's Outhouse Old Sausalito City Hall / 1894 Old City Hall Olompali State Historic Park One of the Shortest Main Streets in America Outdoor Art Club Pacific Mail Steamship China Play Games Point Reyes Conglomerate Point Reyes Light Point Reyes Light Station Portus Novae Albionus Postmaster's House Preserving Our Maritime Past Preserving the Forest Primeval Princess Theater Protecting the Public Health Providing Global Communications Rancho Olompali Redwoods and Their Relatives Reed School Reed's Mill Restored Victorian Samuel Blake Chapman Sausalito Ferry Terminals Scott General Store Sea Life in These Waters Setting for a Colorful Past Shipping Out and Coming Home Sir Francis Drake Site of Birds Nest Glen Smiley's Schooner Saloon Soldiers Guarding the Coast St. Vincent's School for Boys Star Wars Stinson Beach Strengthening an Icon The Army Moves In The Bay Transformed The Belrose Theater The Chosen Family The Gate House The Golden Gate The Golden Gate Bridge The Golden Hind The Log Cabin The Lone Sailor The Post Expands The Rock Plants The Trestle and Blackie's Pasture The “Harbor Light” Tiburon Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum Tiburon Was a Railroad Town Tiburon's Railroad History Tomales Tomales Presbyterian Church Tomales Town Hall Treating the Troops Try-Pot United Nations Conference on International Organization Victims of the Coast Wa Jen Ha Lio Warren Dutton House - Tomales Community Park We Will Never Forget West Point Inn Whalewatching William A. Richardson William Henry Webb William Richardson
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Marin County, California, located just north of San Francisco, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo Native American tribes. They developed a vibrant culture, engaging in activities like fishing, hunting, and gathering along the coastline and in the redwood forests.

In the late 18th century, the Spanish arrived, led by Juan Manuel de Ayala, who named the area Bahía de San Rafael. The Spanish established missions and ranches in the region, including the Mission San Rafael Arcángel, which was founded in 1817 and served as a crucial religious and agricultural center.

American settlement began with the arrival of John Reed, an Irish immigrant, in 1834. The Mexican-American War in the 1840s led to the transfer of California from Mexico to the United States. Marin County saw rapid growth during the California Gold Rush of 1849, as thousands of pioneers traveled through the area on their way to the gold fields, establishing small settlements and mining camps along the way.

After the Gold Rush subsided, Marin County transitioned into a primarily agricultural and pastoral region, known for its dairy farms and ranches. Over time, the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge in 1937 and the expansion of transportation infrastructure led to increased urbanization. Marin County became an attractive residential area for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with close proximity to San Francisco.

Today, Marin County is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, charming communities, and a deep commitment to environmental conservation. It is home to national parks, stunning coastal vistas, and a diverse population. The county has managed to preserve its unique history while embracing modern development, making it a place of great cultural and natural significance in California.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Marin County, California.

  • 1834 - The Mexican government grants the land now known as Marin County to John Reed, a San Francisco merchant.
  • 1844 - Marin County is officially established as one of the 27 original counties of California.
  • 1850s - The Gold Rush leads to a population boom in Marin County, with many gold seekers settling in the area.
  • 1861 - The Marin County Civic Center is built in San Rafael, becoming the oldest continuously operated civic center in the state.
  • 1868 - The first railroad connection is made to Marin County, increasing transportation options for residents.
  • 1880s - San Rafael becomes the county seat, taking over from San Quentin.
  • 1905 - The Golden Gate Ferry Company is established, providing transportation between Marin County and San Francisco.
  • 1927 - The Golden Gate Bridge opens, connecting Marin County to San Francisco and increasing accessibility to the area.
  • 1942 - During World War II, Marin County is home to the Marinship shipbuilding yard, contributing to the war effort.
  • 1962 - Marin County is the birthplace of the environmental movement with the creation of the first Earth Day celebrated in San Rafael.
  • 1972 - The Marin County Civic Center is designated as a National Historic Landmark.
  • 1991 - The devastating Oakland Hills fire spreads into parts of Marin County, causing significant destruction.
  • 2008 - Marin County is ranked as one of the wealthiest counties in the United States.