Near Novato in Marin County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Galen and Mary Burdell

By Syd Whittle, February 17, 2008

1. Galen and Mary Burdell Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In 1852, Camilo Ynitia sold most of the Olompali land grant for $5,200 to James Black, Marin County’s Assessor. Eleven years later, Black gave the property to his daughter, Mary, when she married prominent San Francisco dentist Galem Burdell. By 1866, having amassed a small fortune from his dental practice and sales of a tooth powder he invented, Dr. Burdell and his wife left San Francisco and made their permanent home on the land they called Rancho Olompia

Within a short time, the Burdells enclosed the adobe within a wood frame dwelling with clapboard siding. A second floor was added on the east, and a porch was built on the side facing the parking lot.

Walk around this structure for views of the adobe ruins inside and the remaining wood siding.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.

Location. 38° 9.153′ N, 122° 34.277′ W. Marker is near Novato, California, in Marin County. Marker can be reached from Lichenberg Fire

By Syd Whittle, February 17, 2008

2. Galen and Mary Burdell Marker

Click or scan to see
this page online

Road. Marker and site are located on the grounds of the Olomali State Historic Park, a short walk from the parking area. Olomali State Historic Park may only be entered from southbound State Highway 101 and is 3.5 miles north of Novato. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Novato CA 94948, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Burdell Mansion (here, next to this marker); Camilo Ynitia’s Adobe (a few steps from this marker); Burdell Frame House (within shouting distance of this marker); Rancho Olompali (within shouting distance of this marker); Setting for a Colorful Past (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Novato Bank (approx. 3.1 miles away); Novato Bank Building (approx. 3.1 miles away); Scott General Store (approx. 3.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Novato.

Regarding Galen and Mary Burdell. Also see: Burdell Mansion marker for more information

Galen and Mary Burdell Home (After the Fire) image. Click for full size.

By Syd Whittle, February 17, 2008

3. Galen and Mary Burdell Home (After the Fire)

Close Up of Photos on Marker image. Click for full size.

By Syd Whittle, February 17, 2008

4. Close Up of Photos on Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 8, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,973 times since then and 2 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 6, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.