Near Novato in Marin County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Camilo Ynitia’s Adobe
Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 17, 2008
1. Camilo Ynitia’s Adobe Marker
A shingled shed now protects the ruins of Camilo Ynitia’s adobe home from further weather damage. Dating from the late 1830’s this structure represents a period when the Wiwok were abandoning their traditional dwellings in favor of more sheltered adobe houses.
Encouraged by his friend, Mariano Vallejo, Ynitia sought and was granted title to 8,800 acres around Olompali village by the Mexican government in 1843. In addition to raising over 600 head of cattle, he cultivated grain fields and a small vineyard. Ynitia became a successful rancher through trade with the Mexicans, the Russians and early American settlers. His land grant was confirmed in 1852 by the United States Government, thus becoming the only Native American in Northern California to have his land grant ratified.
The only skirmish of the Bear Flag Rebellion occurred here on June 14, 1846, between Mexican soldiers and the Bear Flaggers from Sonora. The short lived Battle of Olompali resulted in the death of a Mexican officer.
(Marker Number 210.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Industry & Commerce
this page online
Location. 38° 9.157′ N, 122° 34.267′ W. Marker is near Novato, California, in Marin County. It can be reached from Lichenberg Fire 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.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area, in the North Coast, and specifically on the Coast Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexico’s Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Burdell Mansion (a few steps from this marker); Galen and Mary Burdell (a few steps from this marker); Rancho Olompali (within shouting distance of this marker); Burdell Frame House (within shouting distance of this marker); Cook House (within shouting distance of this marker); Try-Pot (within shouting distance of this marker); The Chosen Family (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Setting for a Colorful Past (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Novato.
Regarding Camilo Ynitia’s Adobe. This site has been designated as California Registered
Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 17, 2008
2. Camilo Ynitia’s Adobe Marker
Historical Landmark Description: Oldest House North of San Francisco Bay - This house was built in 1776 by the father of Camillo Ynitia or Unitia, the last chief of the Olompali Indians. The Indians were taught to make adobe bricks by Lieutenant Bodega and his party while they were surveying and charting the harbor of San Francisco Bay. The old adobe house is inside the house now on the site. (Burned in 1976.)
Also see . . . Olompali State Historic Park. California State Parks website entry (Submitted on October 5, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 17, 2008
3. Close Up of Artwork on Marker
March 9, 2022
4. Camilo Ynitia’s Adobe Marker - wide view
Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 17, 2008
5. Camilo Ynitia’s Adobe
Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 17, 2008
6. Camilo Ynitia’s Adobe
Photographed by Syd Whittle, February 17, 2008
7. Camilo Ynitia’s Adobe
Credits. This page was last revised on July 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 3,097 times since then and 64 times this year. Last updated on December 12, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 5, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on April 8, 2022. 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 5, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
