Near Petaluma in Sonoma County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Lakeville-Donahue Landing
Photographed By Kristofer Nelson, March 6, 2010
1. Lakeville-Donahue Landing Marker
Inscription.
Lakeville-Donahue Landing. . There was once a large lake in the valley to the east. Early Indian settlers called it Lake Tolay, after their former chief; hence the name Lakeville for the community that developed on this site. The first boat landing was built in 1853. Passengers and freight were transferred from steamboats to the regular stage coach line running to Petaluma, Sonoma and other points. Settlers came and were deeded land from the original Vallejo holdings. A post office was founded here in 1859. Ranches, farms, dairies and vineyards were established in the surrounding area. The town was a bustling center, with a school, a blacksmith shop, hotels, saloons and dance hall, a winery, a race track, and even a bear and bull pit. Lakeville today is still a thriving agricultural community., Seen through the porthole is the site of Donahue Landing, built by industrialist Peter Donahue in 1870 as the southern terminus for his SF&NP Railroad. Situated here were a roundhouse and turntable, depot, repair and carpenter shops, hotel, saloon, school house, two laundries, combined stable and dance hall, and dwellings. The town flourished for fourteen years as a water-rail transfer point. When SF&NP's new line from Petaluma to Tiburon Point was completed in 1884, the turntable and facilities were dismantled and moved to Tiburon. Only two buildings, the stable and a house, remain at Donahue Landing.
There was once a large lake in the valley to the east. Early Indian settlers called it Lake Tolay, after their former chief; hence the name Lakeville for the community that developed on this site. The first boat landing was built in 1853. Passengers and freight were transferred from steamboats to the regular stage coach line running to Petaluma, Sonoma and other points. Settlers came and were deeded land from the original Vallejo holdings. A post office was founded here in 1859. Ranches, farms, dairies and vineyards were established in the surrounding area. The town was a bustling center, with a school, a blacksmith shop, hotels, saloons and dance hall, a winery, a race track, and even a bear and bull pit. Lakeville today is still a thriving agricultural community.
Seen through the porthole is the site of Donahue Landing, built by industrialist Peter Donahue in 1870 as the southern terminus for his SF&NP Railroad. Situated here were a roundhouse and turntable, depot, repair and carpenter shops, hotel, saloon, school house, two laundries, combined stable and dance hall, and dwellings. The town flourished for fourteen years as a water-rail transfer point. When SF&NP's new line from Petaluma to Tiburon Point was completed in 1884, the turntable and facilities were dismantled and moved to Tiburon. Only two buildings, the stable and
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a house, remain at Donahue Landing.
Erected 1995 by Nicasio Parlor No. 183, NSGW.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.
Location. 38° 11.834′ N, 122° 32.764′ W. Marker is near Petaluma, California, in Sonoma County. Marker is on Lakeville Highway, 1.1 miles south of Stage Gulch Road (California Route 116), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5657 Lakeville Highway, Petaluma CA 94954, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2014, by James King of San Miguel, California. This page has been viewed 1,091 times since then and 49 times this year. Last updated on June 14, 2022, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 18, 2014, by James King of San Miguel, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.