Walnut Creek in Contra Costa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Central School

Plaza Escuela

— 1871 —

Central School Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, April 6, 2016

1. Central School Marker

Inscription. In 1871, residents voted to tax themselves $1,500 for a school. Central School, built on a hill on School Street (now Locust Street), had 40 students its first year. The larger Walnut Creek Grammar School, on the same site, replaced Central School in 1912.

Erected by Walnut Creek Historical Society. (Marker Number 118.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the California - Walnut Creek Heritage Walk series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 37° 53.759′ N, 122° 3.681′ W. Marker is in Walnut Creek, California, in Contra Costa County. It is at the intersection of Locust Street and Olympic Boulevard, on the right when traveling north on Locust Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1192 Locust Street, Walnut Creek CA 94596, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, 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 walking distance of this marker: Walnut Creek Grammar School (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Broadway Shopping Center (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Mary's Catholic Church (about 400 feet away); Site of St. Mary's Catholic Church

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(about 400 feet away); Kirsch Home (about 400 feet away); Dole House (about 400 feet away); Walnut Creek and Mt. Diablo Central Hotel (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Walnut Creek.

More about this marker. This marker is a part of the Walnut Creek Heritage Walk.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, April 6, 2016

2. Central School Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 8, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 491 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 8, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.