Near Guerneville in Sonoma County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Pioneers of Preservation
Colonel James B. Armstrong came to California from Ohio in 1874 as a land investor. He purchased land in these forests, eventually developing a deep appreciation for the redwoods. Witnessing the alarming rate of destruction from logging, he and his family became champions and local pioneers of preservation values. He devoted the later years of his life to saving Armstrong Woods for future generations. After passing away in 1900, his family and friends continued those early and important preservation efforts.
The eldest child of James Armstrong, Lizzie Armstrong Jones assisted the Colonel in many of his land dealings. In 1898 she inherited Armstrong Woods from her sister, and together with her husband Parson Jones, family friends, and fellow landowner Harrison LeBaron, she worked for years to make Armstrong Woods public property.
Armstrong Woods became a county park in 1916 and became part of the California State Park system in 1934.
This panel was funded through the generosity of the Owen and Virginia Keech Bird Family.
The foresight of the Armstrongs created a legacy that will never lose its value.
Erected by California State Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Horticulture & Forestry.
Location. 38° 32.232′ N, 123° 0.426′ W. Marker is near Guerneville, California, in Sonoma County. Marker can be reached from Armstrong Woods Road, 2˝ miles north of River Road (Highway 116). The marker is located within Armstrong Woods State Natural Reserve. From the parking lot at the visitors center, it is a 10-15 minute easy walk, just follow the signs to the Colonel Armstrong tree. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Guerneville CA 95446, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Pond Farm Pottery (approx. one mile away); Bank of Guerneville (approx. 2˝ miles away); Guerneville Historical Marker (approx. 2˝ miles away); Korbel Station (approx. 3.1 miles away); The Moscow Barn (approx. 5.7 miles away); First Time Poetry Left At Stage Holdup (approx. 6.3 miles away); Duncans Mills Depot Museum (approx. 6.4 miles away); First Power Commercial Sawmill (approx. 6.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Guerneville.
Also see . . .
1. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve (California State Parks). (Submitted on August 21, 2017.)
2. Armstrong Redwoods (Sonoma County). (Submitted on August 21, 2017.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 21, 2017. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2017, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 301 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 21, 2017, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.