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

Pioneer Store

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 4, 2020

1. Pioneer Store Marker

Inscription. Benjamin Shreve, the settlement's earliest known schoolteacher, entered the general merchandise business in 1855. Credited with naming the town, he was appointed first postmaster of Lafayette in 1857. He erected this building in the early 1860's as a store, post office, and dwelling house.

Erected 1970 by Rotary Club of Lafayette.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.

Location. 37° 53.496′ N, 122° 7.093′ W. Marker is in Lafayette, California, in Contra Costa County. It is at the intersection of Plaza Way and Moraga Road, on the left when traveling east on Plaza Way. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3535 Plaza Way, Lafayette CA 94549, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area and 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: Geils Building (a few steps from this marker); Way Side Inn (a few steps from this marker); Dedicated to the Pony Express (within shouting distance of this marker); Lafayette House (within shouting distance of this marker); Elam and Margaret Brown Home-Site (about

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600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lafayette Grammar School (about 600 feet away); Deodar Cedars (about 700 feet away); Lafayette Town Hall (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lafayette.

Also see . . . History of Lafayette (lovelafayette.org). (Submitted on July 14, 2020.)

Pioneer Store Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 4, 2020

2. Pioneer Store Marker - wide view

The marker is visible here on the left corner of the leftmost building.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 543 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 14, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.