Martinez in Contra Costa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

A Window into the Past

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 2, 2020

1. A Window into the Past Marker

Inscription. This lowland marsh area, now known as McNabney Marsh, was first visited by the Bay Miwok's Chupcan people. This local tribelet is thought to have consisted of about 200 people. With the vast fishing, hunting, and plant resources of the bay, marshlands, and upland environments, these Native Americans were able to sustain their existence here for centuries. Even though there was no Spanish Mission in the immediate vicinity, the Native American way of living intimately with the land was forever altered in the 1800s with the influx of explorers and missionaries.

The construction of a major rail line through the area in the 1880s helped define the marsh as we see it today. This area was an ideal location for the development of the Peyton Chemical Company and the Mountain Copper Company, both located at the mouth of Peyton Slough, because the town of Martinez offered numerous shipping and rail services.

The area of the Preserve with pepper woods and eucalyptus was most likely the site of worker housing for the chemical company located nearby until 1910. The pepper woods line an old road made of "clinker” stones, produced through smelting operations.

Erected by East Bay Regional Park District.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

• Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 38° 1.492′ N, 122° 5.86′ W. Marker is in Martinez, California, in Contra Costa County. Marker can be reached from Waterbird Way south of Waterfront Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2701 Waterfront Rd, Martinez CA 94553, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. From an Accident to a Preserve (a few steps from this marker); Dr. John Marsh (approx. 1½ miles away); The Christian Brothers Winery (approx. 1.8 miles away); Martinez Public Library (approx. 2 miles away); Contra Costa County Courthouse (approx. 2.1 miles away); Borland Home (approx. 2.1 miles away); 1124 Ferry Street (approx. 2.1 miles away); Former Masonic Lodge Site (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Martinez.

More about this marker. The marker is located in Waterbird Regional Preserve, at the south side of the shelter by the parking lot.

A Window into the Past Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 2, 2020

2. A Window into the Past Marker - wide view

Marker inset: <i>Pre-1800 Native American village</i> image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Harney

3. Marker inset: Pre-1800 Native American village

Marker inset: <i>Peyton Chemical Company</i> image. Click for full size.

Courtesy of the Martinez Historical Society, circa 1880

4. Marker inset: Peyton Chemical Company

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 185 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 2, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.