Near Pescadero in San Mateo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Steele Brothers' Dairy Ranches

Steele Brothers Dairy Ranch Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 17, 2016

1. Steele Brothers Dairy Ranch Marker

Inscription. Beginning in the 1850's the Steele Brothers pioneered one of the first large-scale commercial cheese and dairy businesses in California. They extended their operations from Point Reyes to Rancho Punta de Año Nuevo in 1862. This 7000 acre ranch consisted of five dairies extending from Gazos Creek to Point Año Nuevo. For a century the Steele Brothers' dairy ranches were of major importance in California's agricultural development.

Erected 1982 by California State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Año Nuevo Interpretive Association. (Marker Number 906.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list.

Location. 37° 7.136′ N, 122° 18.41′ W. Marker is near Pescadero, California, in San Mateo County. It can be reached from Año Nuevo State Park Road near Cabrillo Highway (State Route 1), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pescadero CA 94060, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Steele Ranch (a few steps from this marker); Dickerman-Steele House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Don Gaspar de Portolá (approx. 2.2 miles away); Swanton (approx. 5.6 miles away); Big Creek Light and Power Company (approx. 5.7 miles away); Swanton Pacific Ranch (approx. 5.9 miles away); Washout 1997 to 2001 (approx. 5.9 miles away); Pigeon Point Lighthouse (approx. 6.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pescadero.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Año Nuevo Island (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. This marker is currently found in

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 17, 2016

2. Steele Brothers Dairy Ranch Marker

the enclosed porch of the creamery, now the volunteer headquarters and park office. Evidence on the marker indicates that at one time it was mounted outside. Plans to re-install the marker are unknown at this time.

Regarding Steele Brothers' Dairy Ranches. In 2023 this area was designated California Historical Landmark No. 1058 - Portolá Expedition Camp, Año Nuevo.

Also see . . . The Steele Brothers' Dairies of Pescadero - San Mateo County Genealogy Blog. In the 1850s Clara Steele settled with her family near San Francisco. She missed the delicious cheddar cheese she enjoyed back in Ohio made from a family recipe, so she hired an Indian man to help her wrangle the cattle grazing near her home. With the milk from these cattle she replicated the cheddar cheese she so loved... Clara, her husband Rensselaer and cousins Isaac, Edgar and George begin making and selling high quality cheese and butter and start one of the first commercial dairies in the United States, known as Steele Brothers. By 1857 the Steele Brothers were so successful they relocated to a 6,000 acre farm in Point Reyes to expand their dairy operation.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 17, 2016

3. The former Creamery
In 1861 they purchased 15,000 acres in Santa Cruz County. (Submitted on February 20, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Additional keywords. California Historical Landmark No 1058, Portolá Expedition Camp Año Nuevo

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 20, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,190 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 20, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.