Woodland in Yolo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Woodland begins

Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 7, 2012

1. Woodland begins Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

On this site in 1853 Henry Wyckoff built the town's first store to serve travelers and farmers. In 1862 the small wooden building, owned by Franklin S. Freeman, became Yolo's interim courthouse after Woodland became the county seat. The original structure was also home to a church, bakery, saloon, dress shop and Din family's Tai Lee Laundry (1925 to 1947). Four Din children were born here.

Erected 2005 by Stroll Through History Committee - Woodland Art Center.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.

Location. 38° 40.684′ N, 121° 46.378′ W. Marker is in Woodland, California, in Yolo County. Marker is at the intersection of Dead Cat Alley and First Street, on the right when traveling east on Dead Cat Alley. The Marker is mounted on the Dead Cat Alley side of the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 332 1st Street, Woodland CA 95695, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Capital Hotel, Est. 1869 (within shouting distance of this marker); Woodland's First Post Office (within

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shouting distance of this marker); China Town begins (within shouting distance of this marker); The Woodland Opera House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Main and Second Street 1920’s (about 300 feet away); Corner Drug Company Building (about 300 feet away); Original railroad (about 300 feet away); Yolo County Savings Bank (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Woodland.

More about this marker. Joe Scarpa created this marker in 2005 with funds provided by the Stroll Through History Committee as part of the Woodland Art Center Dead Cat Alley Nine Lives Project.

Regarding Woodland begins. In the winter of 1853, Henry Wyckoff settled in a dense grove of oak trees and opened a small store. Soon other businesses located in the area, including a store owned by Major F.S. Freeman. Major Freeman offered free lots to those who would clear the land and
build homes. Before long the settlement of Yolo City was established around what is now the central part of Main Street.

Also see . . .

Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 7, 2012

2. Woodland begins Marker

Explore Historic Woodland. Links to walking tour PDF maps (Submitted on November 16, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Marker as Seen From the Alley image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 7, 2012

3. Marker as Seen From the Alley

Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 8, 2012, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 644 times since then and 100 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 8, 2012, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.