Pleasanton in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Kottinger’s Barn

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 6, 2009

1. Kottinger’s Barn Marker

Inscription. John W. Kottinger one of pioneer founders and first Justice of the Peace of Pleasanton constructed this adobe brick barn about 1852. So built that part of it could house prisoners brought to justice in his court. Thus serving as Pleasanton’s first jail.

Restored by Robert and Elaine Koopman

Dedicated this 11th day of September 1987
Grand Parlor Native Sons of the Golden West
Robert R. Souza Grand President

Plaque funded by James D. Phelan Trust

Erected 1987 by Native Sons of the Golden West.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Notable Buildings • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1987.

Location. 37° 39.796′ N, 121° 52.346′ W. Marker is in Pleasanton, California, in Alameda County. Marker can be reached from Ray Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is mounted on the front of the building which now houses "Milfleur", a retail store ‎. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 Ray Street, Pleasanton CA 94566, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. J. W. Kottinger’s Barn (here, next to this marker); Pleasanton Cheese Factory

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(about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Pleasanton Hotel (about 700 feet away); The Roxy Theatre (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Pleasanton Sign (approx. 0.2 miles away); Larkin Locke House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Johnston Building (approx. ¼ mile away); Nevis Pavilion (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pleasanton.

Regarding Kottinger’s Barn. This site was listed with the California State Office of Historic Preservation on September 12, 1985.

This site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. It's period of significance is listed as 1850-1874.

Additional commentary.
1. From the Pleasanton Historic Downtown Walking Brochure:
"John Kottinger's barn was constructed in 1852 and later became Pleasanton's first jail. It is one of the few remaining adobe structures in the area and is the only building in Pleasanton to be designated by the National Register of Historic Buildings.
Kottinger became the county's first Justice of

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 6, 2009

2. Kottinger’s Barn Marker

the Peace in 1853. Since there were no public buildings at the time, Kottinger used his home for court and his barn for a jail. After criminals were convicted in Kottinger's courts, bandits waiting outside overcame the lawmen and helped the outlaws escape on horseback. Kottinger then had a tunnel built from the courthouse to the jail. Notable desperadoes such as Juaquin Murrietta, Juan Soto, and "Three Fingers" Jack Garcia were tried in Kottinger's court and escorted through the tunnel to jail."

— Submitted November 15, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.

Kottinger’s Barn image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle

3. Kottinger’s Barn

Exposed Adobe Bricks on Side of Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 6, 2009

4. Exposed Adobe Bricks on Side of Building

Second Story Window on West Side of Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 6, 2009

5. Second Story Window on West Side of Building

East Side of Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, November 6, 2009

6. East Side of Building

Adobe Home of John W. Kottinger image. Click for more information.

Photographed By Habs-loc, circa 1940

7. Adobe Home of John W. Kottinger

Historic American Buildings Survey
HABS CAL,1-NIL,2-1
Click for more information.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,832 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 15, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on November 14, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on November 15, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.