Tiburon in Marin County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Trestle and Blackie's Pasture
The Tiburon Peninsula Historical Trail
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 11, 2020
1. The Trestle and Blackie's Pasture Marker
Inscription.
The Trestle and Blackie's Pasture. The Tiburon Peninsula Historical Trail. , (Left photo caption:)
The trestle, which crossed Tiburon Boulevard, was a landmark for 84 years until it was torn down in 1968, a year after the last train rumbled over its sturdy wooden framework. This picture is from the 1930s. The berm on the south end still can be seen.
(Right photo caption:)
For 28 years, you could not leave or return to Belvedere or Tiburon without passing a swaybacked horse named Blackie grazing in his pasture. Blackie was a former cavalry horse that later a cutting horse at rodeos Salinas, was used as and appeared in the California rodeo. When he was 12 years old, Blackie retired to his private pasture at the corner of Tiburon Boulevard and Trestle Glen Road. His owner, Anthony Connell, visited him daily, and people of all ages could often be seen feeding Blackie carrots, sugar and hay, until his death in 1966. ,
(Left photo caption:)
The trestle, which crossed Tiburon Boulevard, was a landmark for 84 years until it was torn down in 1968, a year after the last train rumbled over its sturdy wooden framework. This picture is from the 1930s. The berm on the south end still can be seen.
(Right photo caption:)
For 28 years, you could not leave or
return to Belvedere or Tiburon without passing a swaybacked horse named
Blackie grazing in his pasture. Blackie
was a former cavalry horse that later
a cutting horse at rodeos
Salinas, was used as and appeared in the
California rodeo. When he was 12
years old, Blackie retired to his private pasture at the corner of Tiburon
Boulevard and Trestle Glen Road. His owner, Anthony Connell, visited him daily, and people of all ages
could often be seen feeding Blackie carrots, sugar and hay, until his death in 1966.
Erected by Tiburon Peninsula Foundation, Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society. (Marker Number 1.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1968.
Location. 37° 53.759′ N, 122° 29.399′ W. Marker is in Tiburon, California, in Marin County. Marker can be reached from Tiburon
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Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Belvedere Tiburon CA 94920, United States of America. Touch for directions.
More about this marker. The marker is located at the trailhead, adjacent to the parking lot for Blackie's Pasture. This is one of twelve markers situated along the trail.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 11, 2020
2. The Trestle and Blackie's Pasture Marker - wide view
Courtesy of the Landmarks Archives, circa 1930s
3. Marker detail: Lower left photo (See marker body text for caption)
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 11, 2020
4. An additional plaque for Blackie
Just a bit down the trail from the marker is a plaque for Blackie that reads: "Blackie, our beloved sway-backed horse stood in this pasture for 28 of his 40 years. Children honored his preference for carrots and apples. You could not pass by without looking for Blackie, and when you found him, you invariably smiled....This sculpture in bronze (see next photo) by Albert Guibara was made possible by the children of Tiburon's first mayor, Gordon Strawbridge."
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 11, 2020
5. Blackie, by Albert Guibara
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 11, 2020
6. Another plaque for Blackie
Mounted to a rock about 200 feet from the subject marker is another plaque for Blackie, with his grave directly behind it. Note the discrepancy in birthyear - 1933 on this plaque, versus 1926 on both the subject marker and the other Blackie plaque.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 346 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 14, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
