Kottinger’s Barn Marker

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Pleasanton in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Kottinger’s Barn

By Syd Whittle, November 6, 2009

1. Kottinger’s Barn Marker

Inscription. John W. Kottinger one of pioneer founders and first Justice of the Peace of Pleasanton constructed this adobe brick barn about 1852. So built that part of it could house prisoners brought to justice in his court. Thus serving as Pleasanton’s first jail.

Restored by Robert and Elaine Koopman

Dedicated this 11th day of September 1987
Grand Parlor Native Sons of the Golden West
Robert R. Souza Grand President

Plaque funded by James D. Phelan Trust

Erected 1987 by Native Sons of the Golden West.

Marker series. This marker is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West marker series.

Location. 37° 39.796′ N, 121° 52.346′ W. Marker is in Pleasanton, California, in Alameda County. Marker can be reached from Ray Street, on the right when traveling south. Click for map. Marker is mounted on the front of the building which now houses "Milfleur", a retail store ‎. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 Ray Street, Pleasanton CA 94566, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, as the crow flies. J. W. Kottinger’s Barn (here, next to this marker); The Pleasanton Hotel (about 700 feet away, in a direct line); Alviso Adobe Community Park (approx. 2.2 miles away); Francisco Solano Alviso Adobe (approx. 2.2 miles away); Alviso Adobe (approx. 2.2 miles away); Meadowlark Dairy - The Dairy Silo (approx. 2.2 miles away); Meadowlark Dairy – Dairy Manager’s House (approx. 2.2 miles away); Meadowlark Dairy – Dairy Bunkhouse (approx. 2.2 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Pleasanton.

By Syd Whittle, November 6, 2009

2. Kottinger’s Barn Marker

Regarding Kottinger’s Barn. This site was listed with the California State Office of Historic Preservation on September 12, 1985.

This site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. It's period of significance is listed as 1850-1874.

Additional comments.
1. From the Pleasanton Historic Downtown Walking Brochure:
"John Kottinger's barn was constructed in 1852 and later became Pleasanton's first jail. It is one of the few remaining adobe structures in the area and is the only building in Pleasanton to be designated by the National Register of Historic Buildings.
Kottinger became the county's first Justice of the Peace in 1853. Since there were no public buildings at the time, Kottinger used his home for court and his barn for a jail. After criminals were convicted in Kottinger's courts, bandits waiting outside overcame the lawmen and helped the outlaws escape on horseback. Kottinger then had a tunnel built from the courthouse to the jail. Notable desperadoes such as Juaquin Murrietta, Juan Soto, and "Three Fingers" Jack Garcia were tried in Kottinger's court and escorted through the tunnel to jail."

— Submitted November 15, 2009, by Syd Whittle of El Dorado Hills, California.

Kottinger’s Barn Photo, Click for full size

By Syd Whittle

3. Kottinger’s Barn

Exposed Adobe Bricks on Side of Building Photo, Click for full size

By Syd Whittle, November 6, 2009

4. Exposed Adobe Bricks on Side of Building

Second Story Window on West Side of Building Photo, Click for full size

By Syd Whittle, November 6, 2009

5. Second Story Window on West Side of Building

East Side of Building Photo, Click for full size

By Syd Whittle, November 6, 2009

6. East Side of Building

Adobe Home of John W. Kottinger image, Click for more information

By Habs-loc, circa 1940

7. Adobe Home of John W. Kottinger

Historic American Buildings Survey
HABS CAL,1-NIL,2-1
Click for more information.

Credits. This page originally submitted on November 15, 2009, by Syd Whittle of El Dorado Hills, California. This page has been viewed 844 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 15, 2009, by Syd Whittle of El Dorado Hills, California. 3. submitted on November 14, 2009, by Syd Whittle of El Dorado Hills, California. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on November 15, 2009, by Syd Whittle of El Dorado Hills, California.