Novato near Lichenberg Fire Road in Marin County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Salt Box House

Photographed by Rover Spotts, January 2, 2026

1. Salt Box House Marker

Inscription.
The Salt Box House is typical of small houses built throughout northern California in the 1850's and 1860's. It is probably one of the earliest buildings in the Burdell ranch complex.

This building, probably used as the blacksmith's residence, is built on wooden sills and random hand-laid stones. The walls lack studs, as used in modem home construction: Instead, two layers of one-inch thick boards are nailed to two-by-fours at the top and bottom of each wall. The front porch, with it's more gently sloped roof, and the open porch towards the rear, are not part of the original structure. Historic photos also show a fenced yard on the east side.

Erected by California State Parks.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture.

Location. 38° 9.208′ N, 122° 34.405′ W. Marker is near Lichenberg Fire Road, California, in Marin County. It is in Novato. It can be reached from Redwood Highway. It can be reached from Lichenberg Fire Road. Marker and site are located on the grounds of the Olomali State Historic Park, a short walk from the parking

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area. Olomali State Historic Park may only be entered from southbound State Highway 101 and is 3.5 miles north of Novato. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Novato CA 94948, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area,

in the North Coast,

and specifically 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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dairy Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); Burdell Frame House (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cook House (about 600 feet away); Rancho Olompali (about 700 feet away); Burdell Mansion (about 700 feet away); Galen and Mary Burdell (about 700 feet away); Camilo Ynitia’s Adobe (about 700 feet away); The Chosen Family (about 700 feet away).

Also see . . . Olampali State Historic Park.

Photographed by Rover Spotts, January 2, 2026

2. Salt Box House Marker

(Submitted on January 3, 2026, by Rover Spotts of San Francisco, California.)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 2, 2026, by Rover Spotts of San Francisco, California. This page has been viewed 44 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 2, 2026, by Rover Spotts of San Francisco, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.