Marin County, nestled in Northern California, stands out for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, captured through numerous historical landmarks scattered across the county.
These landmarks, many located within or near national parks, offer a live history lesson, allowing both visitors and locals to dive into the past and discover the diverse stories that have shaped Marin County.
Marin County has over 50 places listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The map below shows the majority of them, including all the historic houses, buildings, and structures.
The range of historical sites in Marin County is impressive. The Alexander-Acacia Bridge in Larkspur, recognized on January 5, 1984, and the Muir Woods National Monument in Mill Valley, honored on January 9, 2008, each narrate a part of Marin County’s development and natural splendor.
These places tell stories of architectural innovation, natural preservation, and the community’s evolution over time.
For example, the Angel Island U.S. Immigration Station, listed as a historical place on October 14, 1971, gives you a look into the complex history of U.S. immigration and the dreams and struggles of those who arrived there.
Meanwhile, the Marin County Civic Center, listed on July 17, 1991, showcases Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural brilliance, reflecting the mid-20th-century optimism and progressive mindset that defined much of Marin’s growth.
Marin County’s military and maritime heritage shines through sites like Fort Baker, Fort Barry, and Fort Cronkhite, all recognized on December 12, 1973. These sites show the strategic importance of San Francisco Bay’s defense.
The Point Reyes Light Station, listed on September 3, 1991, highlights the crucial role light stations played in ensuring the safety of mariners along California’s hazardous coastlines.
The county’s dedication to cultural preservation is evident in areas like the Larkspur Downtown Historic District, listed on October 7, 1982, which captures the essence of early 20th-century American small towns.
The Marin Art and Garden Center, recognized on June 6, 2022, emphasizes Marin’s commitment to arts and nature, offering a peaceful haven for artistic and environmental appreciation.
These historical sites invite exploration and reflection with their unique stories and characteristics.
They serve as vivid reminders of Marin County’s past and as inspiration for future generations to explore and appreciate the rich interplay of human endeavors and natural beauty that makes this area extraordinary.
See the table below for a full list of the historical places included in the map above.
| Property Name | Street & Number | City | Listed Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander-Acacia Bridge | Alexander Ave. between Acacia and Monte Vista Aves. | Larkspur | 1/5/1984 |
| Angel Island, U.S. Immigration Station | SE of Tiburon in San Francisco Bay | Tiburon | 10/14/1971 |
| Barrett, William G., House | 156 Bulkley | Sausalito | 6/17/1980 |
| Boyd House | 1125 B St. | San Rafael | 12/17/1974 |
| Bradford House | 333 G St. | San Rafael | 6/6/1980 |
| China Camp | San Rafael | 4/26/1979 | |
| Dixie Schoolhouse | San Rafael | 12/26/1972 | |
| Dollar, Robert, Estate | 1408 Mission Ave. | San Rafael | 12/11/1972 |
| Dollar, Robert, House | 115 J St. | San Rafael | 7/23/1991 |
| Dolliver House | 58 Madrone Ave. | Larkspur | 5/22/1978 |
| Fashion Shop and Stephen Porcella House | 800 Grant Ave. and 1009 Reichert Ave. | Novato | 6/25/1980 |
| Fort Baker | S of Sausalito off U.S. 101 | Sausalito | 12/12/1973 |
| Fort Barry | S of Sausalito off U.S. 101 | Sausalito | 12/12/1973 |
| Fort Cronkhite | S of Sausalito off U.S. 101 | Sausalito | 12/12/1973 |
| Green Brae Brick Yard | 125 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd. | Larkspur | 3/24/1978 |
| Griswold House | 639 Main St. | Sausalito | 9/12/1985 |
| Hamilton Army Air Field Discontiguous Historic District | Mostly the SW part of Hamilton Army Air Field | Novato | 11/20/1998 |
| Larkspur Downtown Historic District | 234-552 1/2 Magnolia Ave. | Larkspur | 10/7/1982 |
| Lyford, Benjamin and Hilarita, House | 376 Greenwood Beach Rd. | Tiburon | 11/10/2000 |
| Lyford's Stone Tower | 2034 Paradise Dr. | Tiburon | 12/2/1976 |
| Marconi-RCA Bolinas Transmitting Station | Mesa Road; Point Reyes National Seashore. | Bolinas | 2/23/2018 |
| Marin Art and Garden Center | 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. | Ross | 6/6/2022 |
| Marin City Public Housing | 101-429 Drake Ave., 1-99 Cole Dr. | Marin City | 9/18/2017 |
| Marin County Civic Center | 3501 Civic Center Dr | San Rafael | 7/17/1991 |
| Marinship Machine Shop | 25 Liberty Ship Way | Sausalito | 12/20/2016 |
| McNear, Erskine, B., House | 121 Knight Dr. | San Rafael | 1/11/1982 |
| Mount Tamalpais Mountain Theater | Mill Valley | 2/2/2015 | |
| Muir Woods National Monument | Muir Woods Rd. | Mill Valley | 1/9/2008 |
| Olema Lime Kilns | 4 mi. SE of Olema on CA 1 | Olema | 10/8/1976 |
| Outdoor Art Club | 1 W. Blithedale Ave. | Mill Valley | 11/16/1978 |
| Pierce Ranch | Point Reyes National Seashore | Inverness | 12/6/1985 |
| Point Bonita Light Station | Point Bonita | Sausalito | 9/3/1991 |
| Point Reyes Lifeboat Rescue Station, 1927 | Drake's Bay, Point Reyes National Seashore | Inverness | 11/7/1985 |
| Point Reyes Light Station | Point Reyes National Seashore | Point Reyes | 9/3/1991 |
| Point Reyes Naval Radio Compass Station | 23250 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. | Inverness | 6/29/2018 |
| Rancho Olompali | Novato | 1/12/1973 | |
| RCA Point Reyes Receiving Station | 17400 Sir Francis Drake Blvd | Inverness | 2/23/2018 |
| Rey, Valentine, House | 428 Golden Gate Ave. | Belvedere | 4/22/1982 |
| San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad Station House-Depot | 1920 Paradise Dr. | Tiburon | 8/4/1995 |
| San Rafael Improvement Club | 1800 5th Ave. | San Rafael | 3/29/1984 |
| Sausalito Woman's Club | 120 Central Ave. | Sausalito | 4/15/1993 |
| Schreiber, Brock, Boathouse and Beach | 12830 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. | Inverness | 7/7/1978 |
| St. Hilary's Mission Church | 201 Esperanza St. | Tiburon | 2/3/2020 |
| Station KPH Operating Station | 18500 CA 1 | Marshall | 7/24/1989 |
| Station KPH, Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America | 18500 CA 1 | Marshall | 7/24/1989 |
| Steamship TENNESSEE Remains | Marin City | 4/15/1981 | |
| Tocaloma Bridge | Old segment of Sir Francis Drake Blvd. across Lagunitas Cr. | Tocaloma | 9/14/2018 |
| Tomales Presbyterian Church and Cemetery | 11 Church St. | Tomales | 8/1/1975 |
| West Point Inn | Old RR grade, Mt. Tamalpais | Mill Valley | 12/22/2011 |
Have you been to any of these historic places? Which are your favorites?
Thanks for sharing! Great insights and beautifully presented. To more informative posts! Keep doing!