Nicasio

by Anne M. Papina

Overview

Situated in the geographic center of Marin County, Nicasio was home to the Coast Miwok village of Echatamal and likely named for a Tamal Indian and alcalde, Guequistabal, who was baptized as Nicasio at Mission Dolores in 1802. As European settlers arrived, many established themselves as dairy ranchers and timbermen. Soon a town square began to take shape, complete with a merchandise store, a butcher shop, two saloons, a racetrack, a livery stable, a Catholic church, and a luxurious three-story hotel. These pioneers aspired to make Nicasio the county seat, a bid that was ultimately lost by a single vote in 1863. The land reserved for civic buildings was repurposed as a baseball diamond, which at one time hosted semipro games and continues to serve local little leaguers. The Rancho Nicasio now stands in place of the hotel, yet the town otherwise appears untarnished by time. Not surprisingly, a number of residents have roots tracing back to Nicasio's founders, with newcomers drawn to its pastoral charm and a lifestyle in deep contrast to that of nearby San Francisco.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738558028
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	06/30/2008
Series:	Images of America Series
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	9.18(w) x 6.76(h) x 0.36(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Author Anne M. Papina is a Bay Area native, with family ties to Nicasio dating back to the early 20th century. Tapping the private collections of her own family as well as other community members, both past and present, she weaves a rich, pictorial tapestry depicting the history of this secluded Marin County gem.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments     6
Introduction     7
The Formation of a Town     9
Getting Down to Business     29
Old St. Mary's     49
A Slice of Small-Town Life     59
The Great Outdoors     83
The Rancho Era     101
An Unchanging Landscape     117