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

Clayton Museum Educational Garden

Site History

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, January 13, 2022

1. Clayton Museum Educational Garden Marker

Inscription. This site's earliest known history (5000+ years ago), is a Bay Miwok, Chupcan tribelet village site. The Chupcans used the local plants, wildlife, and natural resources for food, medicine, materials, and ceremony.

This site became Lot 5 of Block 1 on Joel Clayton's 1857 Town map. In 1864, the town's first blacksmith shop was built here; owned and operated by Shadrach Jones. Later, George Condie and B. Smith ran their blacksmith and livery business here until. the early 1900's.

In the early 1900's, the site was cleared for a small walnut orchard. Local gypsies "harvested” the walnuts in the 1940's. Eventually, this site became a vacant, fenced lot until 2000.

In 2018, the improved Museum Educational Garden was completed. Garden funding was provided by the Clayton Historical Society, through engraved brick donations from the community; and by the Clayton Business and Community Association.

Erected 2019 by Clayton Historical Society.

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

Location. 37° 56.47′ N, 121° 56.095′ W. Marker is in Clayton, California, in Contra Costa County

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. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Morris Street, on the right when traveling west on Main 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 walking distance of this marker. The Clayton Club (a few steps from this marker); Farming & Ranching in Clayton (a few steps from this marker); Joaquin Murrieta (a few steps from this marker); The Joel Clayton House (a few steps from this marker); The Eucalyptus Grove (within shouting distance of this marker); The Growler Saloon – Goethals Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Clayton (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Clayton Post Office (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clayton.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, January 13, 2022

2. Clayton Museum Educational Garden Marker

The marker is visible here mounted to a low stone monument just to the right of the entrance to the garden, with the Clayton Museum visible in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 13, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 166 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 13, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.