Historical Markers and War Memorials in Clayton, California
Martinez is the county seat for Contra Costa County
Clayton is in Contra Costa County
Contra Costa County(480) ► ADJACENT TO CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 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) ►
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In 1892 Contra Costa County named Black Diamond Way, and maintained it as a road until 1982. (Locally it was also known as "Nortonville Road".) Black Diamond Way became part of Black Diamond Mt. Diablo Regional Trail in 1985.
Black Diamond . . . — — Map (db m27431) HM
Miwok Indians inhabited this valley at the base of Mt. Diablo when Spanish explorers came in the 1770’s. Scouts, trappers, prospectors and settlers followed.
In 1857 Clayton was founded by Joel Clayton, a miner, farmer, and wagonmaster from . . . — — Map (db m59954) HM
The history of this property dates to 1858, when George Chapman built and operated a two-story hotel with an apartment on a third floor. It was the site of Clayton's first Post Office. Following a fire in 1864, a new building was constructed in 1867 . . . — — Map (db m150415) HM
This site's earliest known history (5000+ years ago), is a Bay Miwok, Chupcan tribelet
village site. The Chupcans used the local plants, wildlife, and natural resources for
food, medicine, materials, and ceremony.
This site became Lot 5 of . . . — — Map (db m190226) HM
Bronze Plaque:The Willingness To Sacrifice Is The Prelude to Freedom
This plaque honors all Clayton citizens who have served and are serving in our military.
We will never forget those from Clayton who have given their lives . . . — — Map (db m236769) WM
Paul De Martini built Clayton Vineyards Winery in 1885 on land formerly owned by Joel Clayton, the area’s first vintner. An Austrian stone mason directed construction, using stone quarried on Mount Diablo and hauled here by wagon teams. This was the . . . — — Map (db m60033) HM
The Methodist Episcopal Church built this hall in the 1860’s for worship, education, and fellowship.
The Congregation Church Christian Endeavor Society acquired the property in 1896. After Congregation services ended in 1916, volunteer trustees . . . — — Map (db m59972) HM
Pioneers, miners & cowboys along with ranching and farming have
all been important parts of Clayton's history. Founded by Joel
Clayton in 1857, he laid out the downtown, established his cattle
ranch and planted 28 acres of vineyards.
When . . . — — Map (db m190219) HM
Founded in 1927 by Gerald (Jerry) Gill and family, the park consisted of four picnic sections, over forty acres, four baseball diamonds, two swimming pools, a wading pool for children, large dance hall and two snack bars.
At one time the grounds . . . — — Map (db m94663) HM
Born in Mexico in 1832 the renowned "Robin Hood of the El Dorado" spent his early days in Californa working in Contra Costa County as a vaquero before turning bandit.
Dedicated By
Joaquin Murrieta Chapter No. 13
E Clampus Vitus
November . . . — — Map (db m24567) HM
As early as 2000 BC, this area was home to the Volvon Miwok Native Americans. Many artifacts of their lifestyle were found when American settlers arrived in the 1800s.
Under the Homestead Act between 1862 and 1872, Clayton's founder, Joel Clayton . . . — — Map (db m150414) HM
This water fountain is dedicated to the memory of Nan Joy & Lawrence “Joe” Wallace
They moved here in 1946. Nan & Joe were instrumental in getting water service to Clayton in 1949, allowing development of our community. The Wallaces were . . . — — Map (db m239621) HM
This area in the mid 1850s, was a known hideout for legendary bandit Joaquin Murrieta, who worked as a vaquero for John Marsh on his rancho just east of here. It was also frequented by John "Grizzly" Adams, famed California mountain man.
In 1927 . . . — — Map (db m94657) HM
Jacob Rhine's National Saloon had an impressive inventory of cigars and liquor in 1874.
The saloon was renamed after Carl Berendsen bought the property in 1905. He added a building shipped from San Francisco via Martinez for family living . . . — — Map (db m57976) HM
The Clayton Post Office, established on October 4, 1861, is one of the oldest post offices in continuous operation in California. Ensuring its continuation in Clayton was one reason for incorporating the city in 1964.
During the past 140 . . . — — Map (db m24534) HM
Joel Clayton owned the property facing Morris Street from 1857 to 1870. His estate sold the lots to J. H. Keller in 1877 who built a house, slaughter house, butcher shop, and barn.
George Scammon owed most of the remaining lots and planted . . . — — Map (db m150416) HM
Two historic Clayton buildings were combined to create this restaurant. A bicentennial project.
One was an 1870’s home that Jack Duncan rebuilt circa 1908. It became a store, post office (1926 – 1937), barber shop, and the Growler Saloon. . . . — — Map (db m59953) HM
Joel Clayton, who founded Clayton in 1857, had this house built circa 1860, where Mitchell Creek meets Mount Diablo Creek.
After his death in 1872 the land was sold and the house had various uses. The Clayton Historical Society acquired it and in . . . — — Map (db m59948) HM
