Pleasanton in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Pleasanton Hotel
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 6, 2009
1. The Pleasanton Hotel Marker
In 1864, five years before the first railroad arrived in Pleasanton, John W. Kottinger demonstrated his faith in Pleasanton's future by building the communities first hotel, The Farmers Hotel.
The building was purchased by Henry in 1891 and burned to the ground on Mar. 18, 1898, and re-built.
At one time the hotel was called the Riverside Hotel.
After a minor fire in 1915, the structure was renovated and re-named the Pleasanton Hotel.
Erected 1988 by Native Sons of the Golden West.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 10, 1861.
Location. 37° 39.874′ N, 121° 52.454′ W. Marker is in Pleasanton, California, in Alameda County. It is on Main Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is mounted on the front of the building to the right of the front entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 855 Main Street, Pleasanton CA 94566, 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pleasanton Cheese Factory (within shouting distance of this marker); J. W. Kottingers Barn (about 700 feet away, measured
this page online
More about this marker. The first floor of the building is now The Farmer Restaurant and the upper floor is used for private offices. In a 2025 search, the restaurant was listed as Ruby and Rose.
Also see . . . Nancy Pratt Watercolors. This commercial website details the history of the hotel and many other historic Pleasanton historic buildings. (Submitted on November 16, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)
Additional keywords. Hotels
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 6, 2009
2. The Pleasanton Hotel Marker
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 6, 2009
3. The Pleasanton Hotel
Photographed by Diane Phillips
4. The Pleasanton Hotel Marker
In this updated photo, note that the building has been painted and its outside redecorated. The marker noted in Photo 6 can no longer be found.
Photographed by Diane Phillips
5. The Pleasanton Hotel Marker
In this updated photo, note that the building has been painted and the outside redecorated.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 6, 2009
6. A Second Marker
This humorous marker is mounted on the front of the building.
On this site
in 1897 Nothing
Happened.
in 1897 Nothing
Happened.
Western Card Company, Reedley, Calif. (courtesy of the California State Library), circa 1910
7. View on Main Street, Pleasanton (looking south)
The Pleasanton Hotel, then known as the Farmers Hotel, is visible on the right.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 6,154 times since then and 370 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 16, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4, 5. submitted on August 8, 2020, by Diane Phillips of Pittsburg, California. 6. submitted on November 16, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 7. submitted on March 21, 2022.
