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

Farming & Ranching in Clayton

Farming and Ranching in Clayton Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, January 13, 2022

1. Farming and Ranching in Clayton Marker

Inscription. Pioneers, miners & cowboys along with ranching and farming have all been important parts of Clayton's history. Founded by Joel Clayton in 1857, he laid out the downtown, established his cattle ranch and planted 28 acres of vineyards.

When Joel Clayton died in 1872 Paul De Martini bought his ranch and in 1885 with Italian masons built the stone winery that was converted to Clayton's city hall in 1997. Clayton's fertile soil and Mediterranean climate produced quality wines that won awards at the 1904 World's Fair in St Louis.

In the early 1900s steel-wheeled tractors joined Clayton's horses & mules. During Prohibition (1920-33) some of Clayton's vineyard s were converted to almond and walnut orchards. Along with hay and livestock, tractors, 4-H clubs and ranches were an important part of Clayton for more than 100 years before replaced by residential subdivisions.

These tractors & plaques donated by the Clayton Business and Community Association 2009

Erected 2019 by Clayton Business and Community Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.

Location. 37° 56.478′ N, 121° 56.095′ W. Marker is in Clayton, California, in Contra Costa County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Main Street and Morris Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6101 Main Street, Clayton CA 94517, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

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walking distance of this marker. Joaquin Murrieta (here, next to this marker); The Joel Clayton House (a few steps from this marker); Clayton Museum Educational Garden (a few steps from this marker); The Clayton Club (a few steps from this marker); The Growler Saloon – Goethals Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Eucalyptus Grove (within shouting distance of this marker); Clayton (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Clayton Cash Store (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clayton.

More about this marker. The marker is located on the side of the Clayton Historical Society Museum (the former Joel Clayton home), behind the front garden. It's not easily noticed from the street, although not quite hidden, either.

Regarding Farming & Ranching in Clayton. Although the marker carries a 2009 date, it was not installed until 2019, having sat in storage in the interim.

Also see . . . Museum Garden – Agricultural / Tractor Monument Build (ECV / Clayton Historical Society). A short write up on the installation of the marker and monument, with numerous pictures. (Submitted on January 13, 2022.)

Farming & Ranching in Clayton Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, January 13, 2022

2. Farming & Ranching in Clayton Marker - wide view

1937 W-30 McCormick-Deering (located in the fenced in area directly behind the marker) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, January 13, 2022

3. 1937 W-30 McCormick-Deering (located in the fenced in area directly behind the marker)

"This tractor is steel-wheeled, with a crank starter of the type commonly used in the early 1900's thru the 1940's"

Credits. This page was last revised on January 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 13, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 211 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 13, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.