Despite traffic gridlock & a multiplicity of buildings, Novato's early history has not been lost. The reader of 'Novato Township' will find recorded in text, maps & over 300 historic photos, the first 150 years of Novato's evolution, from the time Miwok Indians ceased to roam the hills and valleys to the onset of WWII.
Novato (in North Marin) was once a rancho, granted to Fernando Feliz by the Mexican governor in 1839. Over the 2 decades that followed, the property changed ownership a number of times but the Novato valley remained virtually unchanged until partners Joseph Sweetser & Francis DeLong planted one of the largest orchards in the world.
The original Old Town - a general store, several saloons & a hotel - was located on South Novato Blvd...where sloops & bargees transported goods to and from Novato. By 1900, the railroad was handling most of the shipping and land around the depot, east of the old State highway, had become the 'new town' of Novato.
A typical small American town until WWII, Novato is now the largest city in Marin.
Novato (in North Marin) was once a rancho, granted to Fernando Feliz by the Mexican governor in 1839. Over the 2 decades that followed, the property changed ownership a number of times but the Novato valley remained virtually unchanged until partners Joseph Sweetser & Francis DeLong planted one of the largest orchards in the world.
The original Old Town - a general store, several saloons & a hotel - was located on South Novato Blvd...where sloops & bargees transported goods to and from Novato. By 1900, the railroad was handling most of the shipping and land around the depot, east of the old State highway, had become the 'new town' of Novato.
A typical small American town until WWII, Novato is now the largest city in Marin.
