Novato in Marin County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Setting for a Colorful Past
Olompali State Historic Park
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 18, 2015
1. Setting for a Colorful Past Marker
The Coast Miwok lived here for thousands of years, even before the Egyptian pyramids were built. The last Olompali leader, Camillo Ynita, was unique because he hot only survived, but prospered under Mexican and American rule. The walls of Ynita's adobe still stand on park grounds.
In the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt, Mexicans and Americans clashed near the adobe. One Mexican was killed in a skirmish known as the "Battle of Olompali.
Most apparent today are the changes made by Mary and Galen Burdell and their descendants who live here between 1865 and 1943. Many of the buildings they constructed, as well as Mary's formal gardens can be seen in the historic part of the park.
The land now belongs to all Californians - to picnic, hike and reflect on those who came before.
Erected by California State Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.
Location. 38° 9.094′ N, 122° 34.296′ W. Marker is in Novato, California, in Marin County. Marker can be reached from Redwood
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Olompali State Historic Park (within shouting distance of this marker); The Chosen Family (within shouting distance of this marker); Try-Pot (within shouting distance of this marker); Cook House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Burdell Frame House (about 300 feet away); Burdell Mansion (about 400 feet away); Camilo Ynitia’s Adobe (about 400 feet away); Galen and Mary Burdell (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Novato.
More about this marker. This marker is found at the parking lot kiosk in Olompali State Park, at the north end of Redwood Boulevard in Novato.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 364 times since then and 11 times this year. Last updated on July 23, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. Photo 1. submitted on July 22, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
