Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – Marin County is collectively taking a deep breath and preparing to blow out 175 figurative candles as it marks its 175th anniversary – during the Board of Supervisors’ November 18 meeting.
At approximately 1:30 PM, the Board will kick off its afternoon session in the Marin County Civic Center Board chamber (Suite 330) by recognizing the history of the county both before and since California became a state in 1850.
The resolution written for the occasion includes the respectful honoring of the Coast Miwok people who have lived here for centuries and of the later arrival of the Europeans, Mexican ranchers, and American homesteaders who settled in the area.
Following its official establishment on September 16, 1850, Marin slowly grew into a critical food and lumber source for San Francisco’s bustling population. European immigrants joined the settlers as they created thriving dairy farms, fruit orchards, and hubs for fishing and hunting. Most harvested goods were loaded onto ferries bound for San Francisco and other growing communities on the bay.
Agriculture remains a fundamental way of life for today’s coastal and rural areas of western and northern Marin while the bayfront corridor on its eastern border grew into a more densely populated suburb. The creation of schools, colleges, business districts, and incorporated towns and cities attracted more residents in the early 20th century. A few decades later, the construction and openings of three key things – Hamilton Army Air Base near Novato (1935), the Golden Gate Bridge (1937), and the Marinship ship manufacturing facility in Sausalito (1942) sparked a population boom.
In the 1960s, Marin had seen the opening of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, the Marin County Civic Center, and the widening of Highway 101.Because of its commitment to preserve the environment, Marin communities blocked efforts to create development along its Pacific coast and worked to establish the Point Reyes National Seashore. With Muir Woods National Monument, the Marin Headlands, several state parks and other designated open spaces, the county remains a leading example of public access to parks and the preservation of nature.
In addition to recognizing major milestones, tribute is paid to the early families who left a lasting legacy, the diverse communities that continue to shape our county, and the extraordinary creative talent that has called Marin home.
The Board resolution summarizes many more milestones over Marin’s 175 years as a county. Those interested in learning more about Marin County history are encouraged to visit their local library branches and browse the many sources available online. The Anne T. Kent California Room at the Marin Civic Center library branch remains the No. 1 hub for local historical documents.
The public is invited to join in two 175th Anniversary celebrations:
- The November 18 reading of the resolution at 1:30 PM in the Board chambers (Suite 330 of the Civic Center)
- a celebration at the Holiday Light Spectacular from 5-7 PM Monday, December 15 at the Marin Center Fairgrounds (20 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael)
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For disability accommodations, please phone (415) 473-6358 (voice), CA Relay 711, or e-mail County staff in advance of the event. The County will do its best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon request.