Near Martinez in Contra Costa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Dr. John Marsh
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 27, 2011
1. Dr. John Marsh Marker
Murdered Here
September 24, 1856
California Registered
Historical Landmark No. 722
Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Martinez Horsemen's Association, February 22, 1960.
Erected 1960 by Califonia State Park Commission; and Martinez Horsemen's Association. (Marker Number 722.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 22, 1927.
Location. 38° 0.319′ N, 122° 5.254′ W. Marker is near Martinez, California, in Contra Costa County. Marker is on Pacheco Boulevard, 0.1 miles south of Arthur Road, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4575 Pacheco Boulevard, Martinez CA 94553, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A Window into the Past (approx. 1˝ miles away); From an Accident to a Preserve (approx. 1˝ miles away); The Christian Brothers Winery (approx. 2.2 miles away); 3220 Alhambra (approx. 2.4 miles away); Don Fernando Pacheco Adobe (approx. 2˝ miles away); De Anza Expedition 1775-1776 (approx. 2˝ miles away); John Muir Home (approx. 2˝ miles away); Vicente Martinez Adobe (approx. 2˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Martinez.
More about this marker. The marker is mounted on a large stone monument across the street from the Tire
this page online
Regarding Dr. John Marsh. In 1960 this was designated California Historical Landmark No. 722 - Site of the Murder of Dr. John Marsh. “Dr. Marsh, who practiced medicine throughout the state from his home near Brentwood, purchased Rancho Meganos in 1837. On his way home from Martinez, he was murdered here by ruffians on September 24, 1856.”
"...I have this day recd from my Son the sad news of the death of my brother Dr. John Marsh of California. He was murdered by two Spaniards as he was riding in his buggy to Martinez & had arrived within two miles of that place & about 1/4 of a mile of Col. Tiff's House when he was dragged from his buggy his skull broken his throat cut from ear to ear & stabbed through the heart about 6 1/2 o'clock in the evening Sept. 24. His body was not found till the next morning when his horse wandered in too (sic) the town which aroused the suspicion where the people turned out & found him & arrested one of them before night. The Drs. money & $115 was found on him & he confessed enough to convict him & he was fully committed for trial..." Excerpt from the October 30, 1856 letter from James Marsh to Deacon Amos Tuck, informing him of his brother's death.
Also see . . . Remembering colorful but unpopular pioneer. Carl Nolte's San Francisco Examiner article (9/24/06) on Marsh and the efforts to turn the remnants of his home and ranch into a state park:"... Marsh was the first non-Hispanic settler to live in Contra Costa, the owner of a vast rancho and one of the richest men in California. He
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 27, 2011
2. Dr. John Marsh murder site and marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2011, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,263 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 2, 2011, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
