Marker Logo HMdb.org THE HISTORICAL
MARKER DATABASE
“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
 
 
 
 
 
 
480 entries match your criteria. Entries 101 through 200 are listed. ⊲ Previous 100Next 100 

 
 

Historical Markers and War Memorials in Contra Costa County, California

 
Clickable Map of Contra Costa County, California and Immediately Adjacent Jurisdictions image/svg+xml 2019-10-06 U.S. Census Bureau, Abe.suleiman; Lokal_Profil; HMdb.org; J.J.Prats/dc:title> https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Usa_counties_large.svg Contra Costa County, CA (480) Alameda County, CA (674) Marin County, CA (249) Sacramento County, CA (392) San Francisco County, CA (722) San Joaquin County, CA (142) Solano County, CA (114) Sonoma County, CA (163)  ContraCostaCounty(480) Contra Costa County (480)  AlamedaCounty(674) Alameda County (674)  MarinCounty(249) Marin County (249)  SacramentoCounty(392) Sacramento County (392)  (722) San Francisco City and County (722)  SanJoaquinCounty(142) San Joaquin County (142)  SolanoCounty(114) Solano County (114)  SonomaCounty(163) Sonoma County (163)
Martinez is the county seat for Contra Costa County
Adjacent to Contra Costa County, California
      Alameda County (674)  
      Marin County (249)  
      Sacramento County (392)  
      San Francisco City and County (722)  
      San Joaquin County (142)  
      Solano County (114)  
      Sonoma County (163)  
 
Touch name on this list to highlight map location.
Touch blue arrow, or on map, to go there.
101 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Danville Grammar School
The first schoolhouse in the area was built south of Danville in 1858. In 1867, a new grammar school was built on this Front Street site. This building served until being razed in 1896 and replaced by the one-room schoolhouse pictured. It was . . . Map (db m200170) HM
102 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Danville Hotel TerritoryHistorical Point of Interest Reported permanently removed
The Danville Hotel, originally the Railroad Hotel, was built in 1891 when the Southern Pacific Railroad came to Danville. It was at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Short Street and faced west. It was owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Edward . . . Map (db m200140) HM
103 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Danville Veterans Memorial
Marker 1: Didicated Mar. 1922 to those who served in World War By Danville Women's Club Marker 2: William Peterson Simeon Anderson George Freitis Peter Byers Lloyd Wood Marker 3: In memory of the men and women who served and . . . Map (db m201777) WM
104 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Eddy HouseEarly 1900s
This Queen Anne style cottage matched several other cottages which were once located along the east side of Hartz Avenue. Harvey R. Eddy bought this property in 1903 and deeded the home to his mother Mary A. Eddy. She and other "Eddy . . . Map (db m152687) HM
105 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Eugene O'NeillAmerica's First Major Playwright, 1888 - 1953
I want to be an artist or nothing. Eugene O’Neill, 1914 When Eugene O'Neill began writing for the stage, the American theatre was dominated by vaudeville and romantic melodrama. Influenced by Strindberg, Ibsen, and . . . Map (db m200162) HM
106 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Eugene O'Neill: A Moon for the Misbegotten
May you have your wish and die in your sleep soon, Jim, darling. May you rest forever in forgiveness and peace. Josie Hogan, A Moon For The Misbegotten A Moon for the Misbegotten is an elegy for . . . Map (db m200169) HM
107 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Eugene O'Neill: Long Day's Journey into Night Reported permanently removed
That's what makes it so hard - for all of us. We can't forget. Mary Tyrone, Long Day's Journey Into Night Eugene O’Neill was the son of the actor James O'Neill and Mary Ellen Quinlan. He spent his childhood . . . Map (db m200168) HM
108 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Eugene O'Neill: The Iceman Cometh Reported permanently removed
The lie of the pipe dream gives life to the whole misbegotten mad lot of us, drunk or sober! Larry Slade, the Iceman Cometh Prior to his career as a playwright, O'Neill lived for a time at a waterfront dive in New . . . Map (db m200167) HM
Paid Advertisement
109 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Eugene O'Neill: Carlotta and Gene
These twelve years, beloved one, have been a journey into light - into love. You know my gratitude and my love! Eugene O'Neill, from the dedication of Long Day's Journey into Night to Carlotta Monterey O'Neill on their 12th . . . Map (db m200165) HM
110 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Eugene O'Neill: O'Neill in Danville
We really have an ideal home with one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen - pure country with no taint of suburbia. Eugene O'Neill, to a friend, 1937 With the reception of the Nobel Prize in 1936, Eugene . . . Map (db m200164) HM
111 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Eugene O'Neill: The Nobel Prize
I feel so deeply that it is not only my work which is being honored, but the work of all my colleagues in America - that the Nobel Prize is a symbol of the coming of age of the American Theatre. Eugene O'Neill, Nobel Prize . . . Map (db m200163) HM
112 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Eugene O'Neill: The Tao House Plays Reported permanently removed
He would come out of his study at the end of the day gaunt and sometimes weeping. Carlotta Monterey O'Neill, 1956 When he moved to Danville in 1937, O'Neill had already begun work on a cycle of eleven plays . . . Map (db m200166) HM
113 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — First Danville Fire Station
Former location of first Danville Fire Station Completed December 27, 1925 Map (db m152846) HM
114 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — First Presbyterian Church of Danville, 1875
“The Handsomest Church in the County" The original building on this site was presided by Reverend R.S. Symington who was the first minister. The popular church served the community from 1875 until 1932 when it burned to the ground. . . . Map (db m153286) HM
115 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Hap Magee Ranch
Originally owned by August Hemme in 1852, just after California achieved statehood, this land was purchased in 1911 by the San Francisco Protestant Orphanage Asylum. Camp Swain was built to give foster children a warm summer away from cold . . . Map (db m153113) HM
116 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Historical Point of Interest
This grove of trees is dedicated to the pioneers Charles Gardner Goold [and] Allie Johnson Goold who acquired this property for a home in the year 1900 and planted these trees in 1913Map (db m202117) HM
117 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Indian Grinding HolesA Gathering Place for Food Preparation
A short walk from here you will find sandstone outcroppings on which the Bay Miwok people who settled in this area many centuries ago ground acorns and other seeds into meal, slowly forming cup shaped depressions used as mortar holes. Oak tree . . . Map (db m199449) HM
Paid Advertisement
118 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — James Root House1860
Once surrounded by beehives and pear orchards, this Victorian-Queen Anne Cottage was built by Joel Haden Boone, descendant of Daniel Boone. Joel married Sophie, daughter of pioneer Robert Beatty Love. Daughter Ina Boone married James . . . Map (db m152831) HM
119 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Joe Foster House1926
In 1921 this property was home to carpenter Joe Foster. In 1926, while his wife Annie was busy making strawberry jam in the kitchen, the house caught fire and burned to the ground. Joe's father rebuilt this Craftsman-Bungalow which . . . Map (db m152854) HM
120 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — 14 — Love House1860
Settling in Danville from Virginia, early pioneers Robert B. Love and Amelia Harvey Love owned most of the land that is now “West Danville.” Once surrounded by orchards and a bee farm, this is one of the oldest remaining original farmhouses in . . . Map (db m202119) HM
121 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — McCauley HouseEarly 1900s
Hard working Irish immigrants, Edward and Mary McCauley, moved their family to the Tassajara Valley in 1868. They operated a 162 acre farm near present day McCauley Road. In 1892 they purchased the original "Danville Hotel" from John Hartz . . . Map (db m152847) HM
122 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — McDonald's Drug Store1922
Built for $10,000 this Spanish Eclectic is one of the few brick buildings in Danville. The McDonalds lived upstairs and ran the drug store on the first floor where cigars, stationery, magazines and hand-painted china were sold and a roll of . . . Map (db m152833) HM
123 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — 1 — Osborn HouseMid 1800's
IN 1871, this Greek Revival style home was sold to Daniel Boone's great-grandson, Leonides L. Boone. In 1926, Melvin and Myrtle Osborn bought 47 acres here and raised cows, hogs, chickens, rabbits and horses. Melvin was the county roadmaster, loved . . . Map (db m199451) HM
124 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Podva FarmhouseLate 1900's
This Victorian style house was built around 1885 and was purchased by Adolphus Podva and Mary Alma McPherson for ten gold coins. In 1911, one of their three sons, Roger and his wife Ruby May Oswill, purchased it and lived there until 1977. Ruby May . . . Map (db m202118) HM
125 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — San Ramon Branch Line
The 19.7 mile San Ramon Branch Line of the Southern Pacific Railroad was built through here in 1891. Original Danville station plat consisted of 8.65 acres. Railroad service was terminated in 1978. The right-of-way was converted soon after to the . . . Map (db m93668) HM
126 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — San Ramon Union High School
In August of 1910 the San Ramon Valley Union High School District was formed. For the first six years high school classes were held in Danville at two different locations, with two teachers and thirty students. In 1916 ten acres were purchased at . . . Map (db m94020) HM
Paid Advertisement
127 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Sentinel Rock OverlookA Place Where Sandstone Beds Were Turned On End
The large outcrop with the staircase and cables is Sentinel Rock. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) installed the steps and railings on Sentinel Rock sometime berween 1933 and 1942. It is now a popular climbing rock. One of the responses of . . . Map (db m199523) HM
128 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Shuey/Podva House1892
Original home of John and Leila Shuey. John was postmaster from 1889-1893. They owned a general store and the hay and grain warehouse west of the Danville Train Depot. They lived in the house until 1938. Adolphus LaMay and Marion Cecile . . . Map (db m152834) HM
129 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Site of Sycamore School
This one room school opened in 1866 and operated until 1927 when for the lack of students it was consolidated with the Danville Grammar School. One of the school’s early graduates, Charlotte Wood, returned here to teach for 3 years. The building was . . . Map (db m202120) HM
130 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Tatcan Bay Miwok Indians
These Native Americans lived in villages along the San Ramon Creek. They harvested Valley Oak acorns and seeds, fished for salmon and hunted birds, deer and rabbits. Evidence of their culture has been unearthed over the years including obsidian . . . Map (db m200174) HM
131 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — The Danville Hotel
The Danville Hotel, a two-story, ten-room folk Victorian, was built after the Southern Pacific Railroad arrived in 1891. It was owned and operated by Edward and Mary McCauley and later by daughters Mollie and Nellie, providing bed, board and Mary’s . . . Map (db m200684) HM
132 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — The Grange and Fraternal Hall (1874)233 Front Street — Danville Heritage Resource No. 8 —
The Danville Grange was a farmers' association and the hub of the community in the late 1800's and early 1900's. The Grange was instrumental in bringing many improvements to the valley over the years, such as San Ramon Valley High School, a public . . . Map (db m200171) HM
133 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — The Old Oak Tree
This magnificent Valley Oak, Quercus lobato, is estimated to date as far back as the 1600s. This tree is a Designated Heritage Resource that continues to thrive alongside the San Ramon Creek and still drops acorns as it did long ago. The Bay . . . Map (db m200173) HM
134 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Turritella Snail BedFossil Snails Tell Their Story in These Rocks
Within a three-foot thick sandstone bed, seen on both sides of the trail, is a layer of rock containing fossil Turritella aedificata snails. Note the slender tapered shape that has led to calling them “Tower Shells.” They are also . . . Map (db m200818) HM
135 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Veterans Memorial Building
In 1919, Congress established the national charter for the American Legion to honor veterans of the Great War. Contra Costa administered a California bond issued to build veteran's memorial halls in each town with an American Legion Post. . . . Map (db m93675) HM WM
Paid Advertisement
136 California, Contra Costa County, Danville — Xavier’s Shoe Store1911
Portuguese immigrant Joao “John” Antonio Xavier worked as a cook and shoe repair and married Olivia Bettencourt in 1916. Originally occupied by Ray’s Pool Hall, they acquired this building for Xavier’s Shoe Store and Olivia’s Variety Store was . . . Map (db m229657) HM
137 California, Contra Costa County, Diablo — 905 — Mount Diablo
Mount Diablo, sacred to Native Americans who lived and worshipped there for over 5,000 years became a critical reference point for Spanish explorers in the 18th century, and American trappers and early California settlers in the 19th. In 1851 . . . Map (db m17541) HM
138 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — A Community of Flower Growers
(front or street side:) "My parents were given much help (from the Adachis and Nabetas) digging a well by hand and building their house. Much help was given on how to grow the flowers as well as how to build the greenhouses. . . . Map (db m145945) HM
139 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Art and Culture in the City
Arts and culture have always been a part of El Cerrito. The City's Arts and Culture Commission, the El Cerrito Arts Association, and many businesses and organizations throughout the City work to engage, promote and celebrate El Cerrito's thriving . . . Map (db m94184) HM
140 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Blooming Business
(front or street side:) "At four in the morning they would start preparing the flowers for market. Grandfather would carefully put the flowers in a basket and sling it over his shoulder. Grandmother, carrying a lantern, would lead him . . . Map (db m156299) HM
141 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Cerrito Creek
. . . Map (db m94104) HM
142 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Cerrito Theater
The Cerrito Theater opened Christmas Day, 1937. Architect William B. Davis included Art Deco elements and fanciful murals in the theater. The theater closed in 1966 and was restored forty years later by the El Cerrito Redevelopment Agency.Map (db m94120) HM
143 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — City Hall
This attractive building, El Cerrito's first City Hall, was built in 1926 and replaced in 1961. It housed the City offices, both Fire and Police Departments, and even a small jail. The Council Chambers/Public Hall was upstairs, as was an apartment . . . Map (db m94185) HM
144 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Contra Costa Civic Theatre
. . . Map (db m94210) HM
Paid Advertisement
145 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Contra Costa Florist
In front of you is the last remaining structure of El Cerrito's once vibrant Japanese American flower growing industry: the former storefront of Contra Costa Florist which was owned by the Mabuchi Family. Hikojiro and Tomi Mabuchi, aided . . . Map (db m145944) HM
146 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Corridors of ChangeSenderos del Cambio / 变化的走廊
Juan Bautista de Anza National Trail passed through present day El Cerrito April 1, 1776     Homeland of the Huchiun-Ohlone Tribe of American Indians The fields are green with grass and thickly covered with various . . . Map (db m91843) HM
147 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — El Cerrito Hills
. . . Map (db m94102) HM
148 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — El Cerrito Public Library
With an inventory of fifty books, El Cerrito's first public library was opened in the local post office in 1913. It moved several times before expanding and relocating to Stockton Avenue in 1949, becoming the first postwar library built in the Bay . . . Map (db m91361) HM
149 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — El Cerrito's First Mayor
El Cerrito became a city on August 23, 1917. Businessman Philip Lee lead the incorporation effort and raised bonds for essential services, including fire and police protection. Lee was elected to the City Council multiple times and served as mayor . . . Map (db m94106) HM
150 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — El Cerrito's Music Scene
Both El Cerrito's and Richmond's populations quadrupled between 1941 and 1945 due to the massive influx of wartime shipyard workers. These workers brought new musical styles, such as blues, western swing and country. This musical melting pot . . . Map (db m94129) HM
151 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — El Cerrito's Nightlife
From the late 1920s until the early 1950s, El Cerrito and nearby unincorporated areas were popular destinations for people to play the slots, high-low games, numbers and more while enjoying fine food and entertainment.Map (db m94100) HM
152 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Fairmont School
Fairmont School was originally built about 1903 and was El Cerrito's second school. Fires claimed many structures in early El Cerrito, including Fairmont School, which burned down in 1924. A new school was built at the same site on Stockton between . . . Map (db m91358) HM
153 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Farms and Dairies
El Cerrito was once a town of farms and dairies. The mild weather, lush fields, and many creeks coming down from the hills made for excellent dairy farming. Over the years, there have been about 25 dairies located in El Cerrito.Map (db m94131) HM
Paid Advertisement
154 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Forced Removal
The Japanese military's attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 formally brought America into World War II. Newspapers, politicians, and military officials invented or exaggerated the threat of disloyalty by Japanese Americans. Groups including . . . Map (db m157883) HM
155 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Historic Cerrito Creek
Cerrito Creek and its branches carry rain and spring water from the East Bay Hills to San Francisco Bay. Native Americans lived along its banks. It became the boundary between vast Spanish land grants and, later, the county line. The City . . . Map (db m155139) HM
156 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Holy Ghost Festa
The Festival of the Holy Ghost was started in Portugal by Queen Izabel to celebrate the end of a famine in 1296. Since the 1920s, Portuguese Americans have gathered in El Cerrito in late June to carry out this annual tradition with a parade, the . . . Map (db m94192) HM
157 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Japanese Nurseries
In the early 1900s, Japanese immigrants planted the seeds of a remarkable nursery community in El Cerrito and Richmond. These nurseries were located mostly west of San Pablo Avenue and north of Portrero Avenue. After interment during World War II, . . . Map (db m94249) HM
158 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Little Italy
Italian immigrants were a major ethnic community in El Cerrito. Establishments in the heart of Little Italy included Tezzi's Italian cooperativa, Fandio Bortolotti's barber shop, Cisi's Dry Goods, Louie's Club, Poloni's Bakery, . . . Map (db m94198) HM
159 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Master Craftsmen
Highly regarded French artisan plasterers, Joseph Laleux and Peter Allinio, both lived near here in the early 20th century. Individually, they worked on well-known projects as the Palace of Fine Arts, the Curran and Geary Theaters, and the original . . . Map (db m94128) HM
160 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Quarries
In the early 1900s, El Cerrito became the local center of a thriving "blueschist" quarry industry. Along with some smaller ones, Bates & Borland Quarry and the Hutchinson Quarry were two of the major local quarries that operated up to the 1930s and . . . Map (db m94189) HM
161 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Ranchos San Pablo and San Antonio Boundary Monument
{North-facing side:} This Monument marks the Northern Boundary of the Rancho San Antonio 43,473 acres granted by Governor Pablo Vicente de Sola acting for the King of Spain to Don Luis Maria Peralta August 3, . . . Map (db m36728) HM
162 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Rust
. . . Map (db m94107) HM
Paid Advertisement
163 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Santa Fe Railway
Between 1904 and 1979, the Santa Fe Railway line was a busy place in El Cerrito. Santa Fe had two small stations and a three-track yard in the City. In this area, the railroad altered the creek channel. The presence of the railroad eventually . . . Map (db m94250) HM
164 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — 1 — Site of Pioneer American Settler William Rust's Blacksmith ShopCirca 1889
In 1909 Rust was named the first postmaster of Rust, California, which was renamed El Cerrito in 1917Map (db m94108) HM
165 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Stege Sanitary
. . . Map (db m94208) HM
166 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Streetcars in El Cerrito
In the early 1900s, streetcars ran the length of San Pablo Avenue. In those days, people could ride from the county line to Grand Canyon Park (now Alvarado Park) or out to MacDonald Avenue to the San Rafael Ferry.Map (db m94194) HM
167 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Summertime Fun in El Cerrito
Golden Gate Lanes, El Cerrito's only bowling alley was located near here. Other summer staples included Bardon's Fruit Market, Betsy's Kitchen and Big Boys Barbecue, Motorcycle Hill, the Whoopie Bumps, and Peek-a-Boo Park, an early auto-court . . . Map (db m94222) HM
168 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — 356 — The Adobe Houses of Victor CastroLate 1830's to 1956
Four hundred feet west of this plaque Victor Ramon Castro 1817 - 1900 built three adobe dwellings, the south one in late 1830's the main one or west one in 1840's the north in late 1840's They with later additions were destroyed by fire April . . . Map (db m144264) HM
169 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — The Avenue
During the Spanish colonial era, the train that would become San Pablo Avenue connected many ranchos across the East Bay. By the mid-1800s, it featured a state line connecting Oakland and Martinez. Today the Avenue remains the center of El . . . Map (db m94248) HM
170 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — The Industrial Core
Businesses along San Pablo Avenue and the Santa Fe railroad, such as building materials companies, TEPCO (Technical Porcelain and Chinaware Company), coal dealers, monument companies, several lumberyards, a slaughterhouse, and a few furniture stores . . . Map (db m94188) HM
171 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — The 'IT' Club
Walt Gatto's "IT" Club, located at Central and San Pablo was named for Clara Bow, the famous cinema "IT" Girl. Redd Foxx, Gypsy Rose Lee, The Vagabonds, Sally Rand, Frank Fontaine, and Johnny Mathis all played the famous "IT" Club.Map (db m94122) HM
Paid Advertisement
172 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — The Japanese in El Cerrito, a Timeline
1885 First Domoto nursery opens in Oakland. The Domotos pioneer California's Japanese American nursery industry and create its wholesale market. 1902 Yataro Nabeta founds the first Japanese American nursery in Contra Costa County, near . . . Map (db m146036) HM
173 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — The Little Hill
El Cerrito, Spanish for "the little hill", is named for the hill to the southwest - now called Albany Hill. Like Brooks Island, the hills north Port Richmond, and the hills at China Camp across the bay, Albany Hill is a part of a range older than . . . Map (db m94105) HM
174 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — The Six Bells & Cerro Square
The Figone family's "Six Bells" restaurant stood near here for many years. Later Berkeley-born and well-known Major League Baseball player (and later manager) Billy Martin opened "Cerro Square" here in the early 1960s.Map (db m94124) HM
175 California, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito — Violet's
After running kitchens in early hotspots such as the "IT" Club and Six Bells, Violet Wong went on to become a culinary pioneer in El Cerrito by introducing Chinese American food. In 1945, Violet and her husband, Albert Wong, opened Violet's Dining . . . Map (db m94126) HM
176 California, Contra Costa County, El Sobrante — Arrival of the Strip Mall
Hill View Center, El Sobrante's first strip mall, was constructed in 1960. Though the businesses have changed over the years, the appearance of the complex has changed very little. The "ranch house" architectural style was very popular during this . . . Map (db m94307) HM
177 California, Contra Costa County, El Sobrante — California & Nevada Railroad
Here, following the base of San Pablo Ridge, ran the tracks of the California & Nevada Railroad. Incorporated in 1881, its founders had grand plans to run from Emeryville to Nevada. The line never got farther than Orinda. Until ending service in . . . Map (db m94300) HM
178 California, Contra Costa County, El Sobrante — California and Nevada Railroad
These eucalyptus trees mark the route of the narrow gauge California and Nevada railroad chartered in 1884 to connect California to the Nevada mines. Only 23 miles of track were completed by 1891 from Emeryville to Bryant now Orinda. In addition . . . Map (db m133653) HM
179 California, Contra Costa County, El Sobrante — Cowboy Country
This was the site of Pitt Arena, which featured equestrian events during the 1930s and 1940s. Owned by Babe and Claude Pitt, the arena showcased the horsemanship of the El Sobrante Horsemen's Association, San Pablo Horsemen's Association, Western . . . Map (db m148703) HM
180 California, Contra Costa County, El Sobrante — Dairy Country
El Sobrante never attracted heavy industry. Probably the largest commercial enterprise in the town was the S.P. Skow & Sons Dairy, which supplied milk in Richmond and surrounding towns. For most of that time, the dairy was located on Clark Road, . . . Map (db m94273) HM
Paid Advertisement
181 California, Contra Costa County, El Sobrante — El Sobrante Chevrolet Service
In 1946, Charles Deabenderter constructed this building for his Chevrolet service and repair business. The building has remained an auto repair business since that time, although under different names and specializations. In 1974 the business was . . . Map (db m94277) HM
182 California, Contra Costa County, El Sobrante — El Sobrante's First Bank
A branch of Mechanics Bank opened at this location in May 1955. Aside from its added faux roof façade and wall graphics, the building itself is a nice example of mid-century modern architecture, a recognized genre passionately preserved in many . . . Map (db m94279) HM
183 California, Contra Costa County, El Sobrante — El Sobrante's First Full-service Post Office
El Sobrante's first free-standing post office opened in this building in 1957, marking an important milestone in the town's development. The post office was previously located in the adjacent Lee's Variety Store (the Elks Lodge as of 2014) and . . . Map (db m94308) HM
184 California, Contra Costa County, El Sobrante — First Supermarket/Foster's Freeze
The large building at this site was the home of El Sobrante's first supermarket, which opened in 1951. Owned by the Louis Store chain, the store was re-named LoRay in 1965 when the business was bought by Loretta and Ray Dickenson. A portion of the . . . Map (db m94299) HM
185 California, Contra Costa County, El Sobrante — Fry's Food Stores and Fry's Electronics
The Fry's Foods grocery chain began at this location in 1954 when Donald Fry acquired Ray's Market, owned by Ray Dickenson. Joined by his brother, Charles, in 1955, they grew that initial store into a 41-store chain which they sold in 1972. Charles . . . Map (db m94274) HM
186 California, Contra Costa County, El Sobrante — Historic Rancho Boundary Line
You are standing at the point of the blue arrow, which lies on the border between the San Pablo and El Sobrante Ranchos. Both grants were made by the Mexican Government to members of the Castro family in 1834 and 1841, respectively. On your right . . . Map (db m189391) HM
187 California, Contra Costa County, El Sobrante — Oliver's Hardware & Service Station
El Sobrante pioneer, John Oliver, purchased an existing business at this location in 1943, and re-opened it as a hardware store and gas station. As of 2013 it has been the longest continuously operating business in downtown El Sobrante. The . . . Map (db m94272) HM
188 California, Contra Costa County, El Sobrante — Park Theatre
Opened in 1949, the Park Theatre was the only commercial movie theatre in El Sobrante. It was owned and built by Dick Jeha, member of a prominent local family in the business community. More than just a movie house, the Park served for years as a . . . Map (db m94296) HM
189 California, Contra Costa County, El Sobrante — Ranchos to Ranches
El Sobrante gets its name from Rancho El Sobrante, "surplus" land situated between existing ranchos that in 1841 was granted by the government of Mexico to brothers Juan Jose and Victor Castro. Curiously, El Sobrante's downtown is actually within . . . Map (db m94305) HM
190 California, Contra Costa County, Hercules — Hercules Powder Works Chinese Laborers Memorial
Memorial Tree This Gingko tree is dedicated in recognition of the contributions of Chinese laborers who toiled in anonymity at the Hercules Powder Works Factory from 1881 until 1912. (Chinese text not transcribed)Map (db m174519) HM
191 California, Contra Costa County, Lafayette — Dedicated to the Pony Express
In 1860-1861 Pony Express riders stopped in Lafayette 19 times to change horses en route to San Francisco from St. Joseph, Missouri Lafayette Historical Society 1992Map (db m24461) HM
192 California, Contra Costa County, Lafayette — Deodar Cedars
In 1927 these trees were planted by Robert Elam McNeil and his wife, Gertrude, pioneer leaders in the Methodist Church and in the community. Born in Lafayette, the McNeils were proprietors of the Pioneer Store from 1902 to 1935.Map (db m143636) HM
193 California, Contra Costa County, Lafayette — Elam and Margaret Brown Home-Site
The founder of Lafayette built his principal home in this vicinity in 1858. "Squire” Brown purchased the Rancho Acalanes in 1847, upon which he raised cattle and grain, and served as the miller for the area. He became Alcalde of the . . . Map (db m145017) HM
194 California, Contra Costa County, Lafayette — First Settlement of LafayetteFebruary 7, 1848
In this location on the Rancho Acalanes, Elam and Margaret Allen Brown founded Lafayette by building their first house, a crude affair constructed while Mrs. Brown prepared dinner. In 1849, they erected a horse powered grist mill across the . . . Map (db m184240) HM
195 California, Contra Costa County, Lafayette — Geils Building
Fred Geils erected this saloon in 1880. It has housed various businesses through the years, including dressmaking, butcher, shoe repair and barber shops. Dedicated by Soroptimist Club of Lafayette-Orinda June 29, 1971 Map (db m25091) HM
196 California, Contra Costa County, Lafayette — Lafayette Grammar School
Built in 1893 this portion of the church is the old schoolhouse with the original belfry, the third school in Lafayette since 1853. In 1927 the building was purchased to serve as the Methodist church. A group of neighbors formed the . . . Map (db m143634) HM
197 California, Contra Costa County, Lafayette — Lafayette House
Dedicated April 23, 1998 Lafayette House Added Station By Diablo Foods Better Homes Realty - Lafayette Diamond K. Supply, Ltd. Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Lafayette Historical Society Pony Express Trail Association {reverse . . . Map (db m24916) HM
198 California, Contra Costa County, Lafayette — Lafayette Town Hall
Community spirit led to construction of this hall by the Lafayette Improvement Club. Land was donated by Frank and Rose Ghiglione with funds and labor provided by the townspeople. A grand opening ball and midnight supper were held on May 1, 1914. . . . Map (db m49861) HM
199 California, Contra Costa County, Lafayette — Lafayette War Memorial
In honor of the Fallen Heroes of Contra Costa County who have sacrificed their lives in defense of our country since September 11, 2001 SPC Joseph C. Norquist, USA Martinez, Oct. 9, 2003 • LCPL Kyle D. Crowley, USMC San . . . Map (db m217768) WM
200 California, Contra Costa County, Lafayette — Lamorinda Vietnam Memorial
To give one's life in the cause of freedom for others is the noblest cause of all Robert Stanley Baird David Ray Elliott Terence Michael Hustead Kenneth Eugene Mattson Timothy Arma Thomas Donald Herbert White Map (db m143578) WM

480 entries matched your criteria. Entries 101 through 200 are listed above. ⊲ Previous 100Next 100 
 
 
CeraNet Cloud Computing sponsors the Historical Marker Database.
This website earns income from purchases you make after using our links to Amazon.com. We appreciate your support.
Paid Advertisement
Apr. 29, 2024