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. 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. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area,

in Wine Country,

in the North Coast,

and specifically 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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Rancho Olompali (approx. 3.4 miles away); Galen and Mary Burdell (approx. 3.4 miles away); Salt Box House (approx. 3.4 miles away); Camilo Ynitia’s Adobe (approx. 3.4 miles away); Burdell Mansion (approx. 3.4 miles away); Burdell Frame House (approx. 3.4 miles away); Dairy Barn (approx. 3.4 miles away); Cook House (approx. 3.4 miles away).

Lakeville-Donahue Landing Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kristofer Nelson, March 6, 2010

2. Lakeville-Donahue Landing Monument

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 1,790 times since then and 75 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.