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Historical Markers and War Memorials in Contra Costa County, California
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.
On Danville Boulevard at Stone Valley Road, on the right when traveling south on Danville Boulevard.
Original Site of the
Alamo Grammar School
The first school was constructed on this site in 1876 and was destroyed by fire. The second school was built in the 1880s and included a bell tower. The third was built in the 1940s and served as . . . — — Map (db m152685) HM
Spurs and Branding Irons
California Cowhides are Big Business
After Spain's rule in the New World ended in 1821, the newly
established government of Mexico began the process of distributing
the mission lands. The area where you . . . — — Map (db m185763) HM
Near Wilson Road, 0.1 miles north of Livonia Road, on the right when traveling north.
Used from about 1880 to 1940 in the second Alamo school building which stood at the east side of Danville Blvd. near Stone Valley Road. — — Map (db m154889) HM
Near Danville Boulevard near Stone Valley Road, on the right when traveling south.
John M. & Mary Ann Smith Jones, lived at this location from 1851 - 1866. They came out west in a prairie schooner. Here John opened the only post office between Martinez and Mission San Jose on May 18, 1852. Mary Ann was his deputy while her . . . — — Map (db m93991) HM
On Stone Valley Road near Danville Boulevard, on the right when traveling west.
Squire Silas Stone emigrated with his family from Iowa in 1853 and settled half mile east of this marker. The pioneer's home stood nearby until 1957. His son Albert eventually expanded the ranch to 800 acres and gave the family name to the present . . . — — Map (db m93667) HM
On Danville Boulevard at Hemme Avenue on Danville Boulevard.
IN THE LATE 19TH CENTURY, local farmers, ranchers and businessmen began to campaign for a railroad into the San Ramon Valley. This plan came to fruition in 1890 when the Southern Pacific RR started construction of its San Ramon Valley line. The . . . — — Map (db m153307) HM
For untold centuries people
have lived in the San Ramon
Valley. They built their homes by the creeks, hunted
in the valleys and worshipped
in the mountains.
In the 1700's the Tatcan, Bay
Miwok speaking people, lived
in the watershed of the . . . — — Map (db m153086) HM
On L Street at West Second Street, on the left when traveling north on L Street.
Dedicated to the men and women
who worked at the
Antioch Fibreboard Company
Founded in 1889 by M.D. Keeney and
Sons and known as Enterprise Paper
Mill.
Purchased in 1900 by Brown brothers.
Destroyed by fire in 1912 and . . . — — Map (db m185761) HM
Near West 4th Street near O Street, on the left when traveling east.
Upon the closing of Riverview Union High School in the fall of 1931, Live Oak (later to become Antioch Unified) School District opened a new high school on D Street. This cupola, which at the time had a Mayflower weathervane atop, was placed . . . — — Map (db m93603) HM
This Plaque commemorates the arrival
of the first settlers in Antioch.
September 16, 1850
Led by Captain George W. Kimball
the party sailed from Maine aboard the
California Packet No.2 March 1850
And reached San Francisco Bay
August . . . — — Map (db m37593) HM
INDIANS have lived in the greater Bay Area for thousands of years. Black Diamond was located in the backcountry between three tribes: Chupcan (Concord), Volvon (Clayton), and Ompin (Pittsburg). All spoke the Bay Miwok language. With the arrival . . . — — Map (db m198457) HM
You protected us on the field of battle. You watched over our eternal rest. You will not be forgotten. We are forever grateful.
Dedicated in memory of Specialist 4th Class George D. (Doug) Deitrick and his scout dog, Egor (75IM), . . . — — Map (db m93604) WM
On West 10th Street east of O Street, in the median.
Dedicated to those from Contra Costa County who served their country in the World War, and to the memory of these who “Gave the last full measure of devotion”
1914 – 1918
Simeon M. Anderson • Adolph C. Bauer, Jr. • Peter Beyer • Hazel L. . . . — — Map (db m217074) WM
This plaque commemorates 140 continuous years of Masonry in Antioch and the 100th anniversary of this building. The building was constructed as the Belshaw Theater in 1905. It was purchased by the Antioch Masonic Lodge in 1923 and modified to serve . . . — — Map (db m37579) HM
Take a moment and gaze down the Greathouse Portal, your entrance into vast underground spaces filled with an intriguing human and geologic history. What was once the ocean floor provided raw materials (silica sand) for glass making during the early . . . — — Map (db m197397) HM
These stones and bolts are the remains of the Independent Shaft hoist works. The depression to your right marks the location of the 710-foot sealed shaft, the most northerly mine entry on the Mt. Diablo Coal Field. The boiler attached to the bolts . . . — — Map (db m93610) HM
On West 10th Street near A Street, on the right when traveling east.
This city was named 100 years ago for Antioch in Syria were the disciples of Jesus Christ were first called Christians. -- (Acts 11:26)
Today we rededicate ourselves to him in grateful memory of our founding fathers who envisioned a city and a . . . — — Map (db m93607) HM
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve is the site of California's largest coal field. From the mid-1850s to the early 1900s, a dozen mines supplied nearly four million tons of coal to the expanding urban and industrial centers of the San Francisco . . . — — Map (db m197398) HM
From 1860 to 1906, this area was the largest coal mining district in California. Five towns (Nortonville, Somersville, Stewartville, Judsonville and West Hartley) grew up around twelve major mines. Today the towns are gone. The buildings having been . . . — — Map (db m139449) HM
The advent of trains determined the life or death of small communities in California. Antioch became doubly blessed when two different train routes came through the town. The San Pablo and Tulare Railroad first staked out the route between 1876 . . . — — Map (db m186006) HM
This was the first high school constructed in Contra Costa County. Supported by the Womans Club of Antioch, the first joint communities bond was passed in 1908 for $20,000 by Antioch, Pittsburg, Somersville, Nortonville and Live Oak.
Charles . . . — — Map (db m91845) HM
On Somersville Road, on the left when traveling south.
This area was the original site of the coal mining town of Somersville. The town was located here because of the availability of good drinking water. When the railroad arrived in 1866, water could be hauled from the San Joaquin River and the town . . . — — Map (db m93608) HM
From the mid-1850s to the early 1900s, this was the site of an active coal mining town. Somersville was one of five towns that existed during the mining boom of the Mt. Diablo Coal Field. At the peak of operation, it is believed that Somersville and . . . — — Map (db m93628) HM
On West First Street, on the right when traveling west.
In the early 19th century many canneries operated throughout California. The rich agricultural and fishing areas of east Contra Costa County hosted a number of canneries and packing sheds. The picturesque Antioch waterfront was home to two canneries . . . — — Map (db m18292) HM
Near West 4th Street, on the left when traveling east.
This little house built by the McCoy's in 1861, at their ranch on the side of Kirker Pass, served as their first home. As time passed and the ranch became established, a much larger farmhouse was built for the family. It was then that the 2 room . . . — — Map (db m93574) HM
On G Street near West 5th Street, on the left when traveling south.
Eleven women founded the Woman's Club of Antioch in February, 1902. They pledged to "improve and beautify the town, to do any business which shall promote the educational, industrial, benevolent, social or political welfare of its members or the . . . — — Map (db m93605) HM
Near Sellers Avenue near Sunset Road, on the right when traveling north.
This house, which serves as the museum of the East Contra Costa Historical Society, was originally built by Johnson and Elizabeth Fancher in 1878. In the early 1880's the Frachers sold the house and surrounding acreage to John and Letitia Byer. In . . . — — Map (db m189371) HM
Near Sellers Avenue near Sunset Road, on the right when traveling north.
This house, which serves as the museum for the East Contra Costa Historical Society, was originally built by Johnson and Elizabeth Fancher in 1878. In the early 1880's the Fanchers sold the house and surrounding acreage to John and Letitia Byer. In . . . — — Map (db m94652) HM
Builders of the stone house 1856
Abby Marsh died August 1855
John Marsh first doctor in California arrived 1836
Born 1799, Murdered Sept. 24 1856 — — Map (db m94654) HM
On Marsh Creek Road, 0.4 miles west of Vineyards Parkway, on the right when traveling west.
Drainage Area 33,000 Acres
Total Capacity 4,800 Acre Ft.
Water Surface Area 375 Acres
Height of Dam 58 Feet
Length of Dam 1,500 Feet
Volume of Fill 440,000 Cu.Yds.
Built under the Watershed Protection and . . . — — Map (db m198002) HM
HISTORY
Round Valley Regional Preserve was once home to California Indians. It was probably a boundary between several different tribal groups, an area where members of East Bay and San Joaquin Valley groups met periodically to trade and . . . — — Map (db m199528) HM
On Oak Street near Brentwood Boulevard, on the right when traveling east.
In 1884 the 1st Brentwood Hotel was built on this site. It was an ornate two story wooden structure in the Victorian style of architecture, with wood sidewalks, columns and a 2nd floor balcony. It was destroyed by a fire set by a dismissed employee . . . — — Map (db m94653) HM
On Main Street near Holway Drive, on the right when traveling north.
At this location, in 1878, a railroad station was established for the San Pablo and Tulare Railroad, which ran from Los Banos to Martinez, later to become part of the Southern Pacific Railway, for the purpose of taking on water, and became known as . . . — — Map (db m17325) HM
On Marsh Creek Road at Main Street, on the right on Marsh Creek Road.
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
On Main Street at Diablo Street, on the right when traveling east on Main Street.
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
On Diablo Street near Main Street, on the right when traveling south.
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
On Main Street at Morris Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street.
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
On Oak Street at Main Street, on the left when traveling south on Oak Street.
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
On Clayton Road, on the right when traveling west.
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
On Main Street at Morris Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street.
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
On Marsh Creek Road at Main Street, on the right when traveling north on Marsh Creek Road.
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
Near Marsh Creek Road near Aspara Drive, on the left when traveling west.
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
On Main Street at Morris Street, on the left when traveling west on Main Street.
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
On Center Street west of Marsh Creek Road, on the right when traveling east.
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
On Main Street west of Marsh Creek Road, on the right when traveling west.
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
On Main Street near Morris Street, on the right when traveling west.
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
On Sussex Street at Port Chicago Highway, on the right when traveling north on Sussex Street.
This monument commemorates what was once the only train stop in Clyde. The train that came through this stop in the early 1900's was owned by Southern Pacific and brought mail, passengers, and freight to this unique little town.
[Lower marker . . . — — Map (db m17341) HM
Here, at 10:08 p.m. on July 17, 1944 one of history's most powerful man-made, non-nuclear disasters obliterated two cargo ships, killed 320 men, and wounded hundreds. It was the worst stateside disaster of World War II. The cause of the explosion is . . . — — Map (db m136870) HM WM
On Willow Pass Road near Grant Street, on the right when traveling west.
Don Salvio Pacheco was born on July 15, 1793 in Monterey, Alta California. After serving in the Monterey Militia for many years, he petitioned the Territorial Deputation Council of the Mexican government for a Land Grant in 1834. With the possession . . . — — Map (db m206217) HM
On Willow Pass Road at Grant Street, on the right when traveling east on Willow Pass Road.
Marker One:
County Fire House
Concord Historical Landmark
Built in 1938-39
Concord Historical Society
Marker Two:
Mt. Diablo Fire District
Headquarters Station
Erected 1939
Board of Fire . . . — — Map (db m206218) HM
July 17, 1944 was a typical day at Port Chicago Naval Magazine. Men of the Merchant Marine and the U.S. Navy Armed Guard prepared the empty, brand new SS Quinault Victory for loading on one side of the pier and prepared the nearly full SS . . . — — Map (db m136868) HM
On Grant Street south of Olivera Road, on the left when traveling north.
Lt. Colonel Juan Bautista De Anza by decree of Carlos III of Spain led an expedition near this site - the mission being to colonize the San Francisco Bay Area — — Map (db m155569) HM
On Willow Pass Road near Grant Street, on the left when traveling east.
{pictured above on the marker (left to right), Don Fernando Pacheco, 1818-1884; Don Salvio Pacheco, 1793-1876; Don Francisco Galindo, 1820-1891}
In 1868 Don Salvio Pacheco; his son, Don Fernando Pacheco; and his son-in-law, Don Francisco . . . — — Map (db m17440) HM
Here, at 10:18 p.m. on July 17, 1944, one of history's most powerful manmade, non-nuclear explosions obliterated two ships, damaged structures in twelve nearby towns or cities, killed 320 men, and wounded 390. It was the worst stateside disaster of . . . — — Map (db m177667) HM
Near Grant Street south of Olivera Road, on the right when traveling south.
Erected 1844. Restored 1941 by Contra Costa Horsemans Association.
Fernando Pacheco Adobe. Concord Historical Landmark. Built in 1844-51. Concord Historical Society. — — Map (db m217089) HM
On Deer Oak Place near Pebble Glen Drive, in the median.
Don Salvio Pacheco granted this land designated as a cemetery to serve Clayton and Concord. There are many prominent pioneers of early Clayton and Concord buried here. They include members of the following families: Atchinson, Babel, Clayton, . . . — — Map (db m93630) HM
On Kinney Boulevard, on the left when traveling east. Reported missing.
For more than a half-century Port Chicago has been a major port for the shipment of munitions to U.S. forces serving overseas. The Navy created the munitions-loading complex at Port Chicago as an annex to the Mare Island Navy Yard in 1942.
This . . . — — Map (db m177665) HM
For more than a half-century, Port Chicago Naval Magazine has been a major port for the shipment of munitions to U.S. forces serving overseas. The Navy created the munitions-loading complex next to the town of Port Chicago as an annex to the Mare . . . — — Map (db m136861) HM WM
U.S. Naval Magazine and Naval Barracks
S2c James C. Akins • GM3c Clarence Allen, Jr. • Lt. (jg) Maxie L. Anderson • S2c Leslie K. Asare • S2c Isajah Ash. Jr. • S2c David Bacon, Sr. • S2c Henry W. Bailey • GM3c Leonard Baker • S2c Joseph . . . — — Map (db m136952) WM
Crockett Ranch Staging Area is the gateway to 1,300 acres of scenic and secluded parkland that make up Crockett Hills Regional Park. Long held as private ranchland, the area has always offered a quiet counterpoint to the hustle and bustle of the . . . — — Map (db m190311) HM
Near San Pablo Avenue, 0.1 miles west of Merchant Street.
Alfred 'Al' Zampa was the first born son of Emilio and Maria Zampa, Italian immigrants who migrated to the USA from Abruzzi, Italy. Al was born on March 12, 1905 in Selby, California down river from where this plaque sits. He was the eldest of three . . . — — Map (db m91658) HM
Near Carquinez Scenic Drive, 0.7 miles east of Winslow Street.
"We called to these Indians, hoping to buy their fish from them."
From Father Pedro Font's Diary, April 2, 1776
In 1775 and 1776, Lt. Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza, Father Pedro Font, along with 240 settlers, soldiers, . . . — — Map (db m91652) HM
On Pomona Street at Alexander Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Pomona Street.
(periods added to aid legibility)
In Loving Memory
of
the men of this community
who gave their lives
in the
1917 Great World War 1919
D. Crowley · G.M. Lee · W.E. Dunn · O.A. Sweet · M.H. Sievers · F. Remaini · B.L. . . . — — Map (db m91651) WM
Ranching has long been a way of life in these
hills. With steep terrain, and water in scarce
supply, the area has always favored cattle grazing
over cultivation of water-intensive crops.
The region once formed part of the vast . . . — — Map (db m190310) HM
This was the first American home in Crockett. Constructed in 1867 by Thomas Edwards, Sr., on land purchased in 1866 from Judge J.B. Crockett. Located on an earlier Indian village near the Carquinez Straits, its timbers, some of which were brought . . . — — Map (db m12153) HM
On Railroad Avenue south of West Prospect Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Danville is home of the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site. O’Neill has the distinction of being the only American playwright to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Tao House, O’Neill’s “final harbor”, was where the playwright’s most . . . — — Map (db m230440) HM
On West Prospect Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
The Purple Heart is specifically a combat decoration and is our nation’s oldest military medal. The award was first created by General George Washington in 1782 and was called the Badge of Military Merit. A Purple Heart Community is an expression of . . . — — Map (db m200949) WM
On San Ramon Valley Road near Podva Road, on the right when traveling south.
Albert J. Young and Mary Shuey Young built this Victorian home in 1870. This was her home for 63 years.
A.J. Young was a long time local educator and church leader. — — Map (db m94012) HM
On El Portal near Danville Boulevard, on the left when traveling east.
Many pioneers from Alamo and surrounding towns have been buried here since the 1850s. Alamo Cemetery is part of the Alamo-Lafayette Cemetery District. We dedicate this plaque in the 125th year of the first recorded burial January 1856. — — Map (db m94013) HM
Bronze Plaque:
Dedicated To All Who Served, Supported and Sacrificed for Our Freedom
Black Granite Maker One:
Freedom Is Not Free
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are creates equal, that they are . . . — — Map (db m209660) WM
On West Linda Mesa Avenue at Railroad Avenue, on the right when traveling west on West Linda Mesa Avenue.
Original home of fireman Austin Root,
descendent of the Boone and Love
families, this Craftsman-Bungalow moved
here from the corner of Hartz and Linda
Mesa to make way for Shell Oil in 1950.
Owner of Root's Bar and Restaurant, Austin
opened . . . — — Map (db m153288) HM
On Vista Grande Street, on the right when traveling south.
Bret Harte became famous for writing short stories about the Gold Rush era. In 1863 he wrote "A Legend of Monte Diablo." Later in 1870, he authored "The Luck of Roaring Camp" and then "A First Family of Tassajara" in 1892.
From October through . . . — — Map (db m199441) HM
On Hartz Avenue south of Church Street, on the left when traveling north.
This Craftsman-Bungalow style "cottage"
was characteristic of the Great Depression.
Once the home of Lorraine and Manuel
"Manny” Cabral, this popular style remains
a well-maintained example of similar
buildings along Hartz Ave. The . . . — — Map (db m152832) HM
On Hartz Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
This 1921 Craftsman-Bungalow was
originally owned by Tony Cabral who drove
a cattle truck from Tassajara Valley to the
Train Depot. Kids in town waited in front
of Elliot's Bar and helped him load prize-
winning cattle for the Sacramento State . . . — — Map (db m152857) HM
On Danville Boulevard at El Portal on Danville Boulevard.
Fages, Commandante at Monterey, vainly looked for a way across San Francisco Bay. With Juan Crespi, Franciscan missionary, 14 soldiers, a muleteer and an Indian servant, he trekked along Carquinez Strait, thence eastward nearly to Antioch. Turning . . . — — Map (db m91703) HM
On Diablo Avenue near Rose Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
This property, site of the first building constructed in 1858, was owned by pioneer Daniel Inman (1827-1908) for whom Danville was named.
The property was purchased by James E. Close (1848-1904), who operated a blacksmith shop, in 1875. In 1907 . . . — — Map (db m93670) HM
This early home was constructed by the Howard brothers
in 1866 and is the oldest original building in downtown Danville.
It was built for Postmaster Michael and
Matilda Cohen behind the Cohen general store. Dr.
Victor and Claire Vecki moved . . . — — Map (db m152843) HM
On East Prospect Avenue west of Front Street, on the left when traveling east.
This Craftsman-Bungalow style home first appears on
a 1925 Sanborn fire map. Built by Austin Root and
Steve Johnson, it was once owned by local volunteer
fireman, Duane Elliott. Joseph and Laura Bettencourt
lived here until George and Vesta . . . — — Map (db m152844) HM
480 entries matched your criteria. The first 100 are listed above. Next 100 ⊳
