Near Novato in Marin County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Salt Box House
Photographed by Rover Spotts, January 2, 2026
1. Salt Box House Marker
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 its 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 Novato, California, in Marin County. It can be reached from Redwood Boulevard north of Buck Center Drive, on the right when traveling south. The marker can be reached from Lichenberg Fire Road. Marker and site are on the grounds of the Olomali State Historic
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the 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, on 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
Photographed by Rover Spotts, January 2, 2026
2. Salt Box House Marker
Also see . . . Olampali State Historic Park. (Submitted on January 3, 2026, by Rover Spotts of San Francisco, California.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 2, 2026, by Rover Spotts of San Francisco, California. This page has been viewed 61 times since then. Last updated on November 8, 2026, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 2, 2026, by Rover Spotts of San Francisco, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
