When was rohnert park established

He planted the largest prune orchards in the west. His business expanded and soon he owned land in the San Joaquin Valley and Cotati. The land Rohnert bought was prone to seasonal flooding so he built a mound down the middle with two-foot ditches on either side. It did the trick and he set about enriching the already rich adobe soil. Before his efforts took seed he died leaving his son Fred Rohnert in charge of the company.

Fred Rohnert managed the seed company from Hollister. He planted some of the land in hay and the rest he planted in seeds for the seed company. The Cotati ranch became a major horticultural success, second only to the Santa Rosa gardens of famed horticulturist Luther Burbank.

Land was needed for homes for returning GIs and their families. Paul Golis arrived on the scene and joined Maurice Fredericks, a native of Petaluma.

Together they became partners in a law practice that represented valley land developers. And thus began the City of Rohnert Park. Approximately 3, people lived throughout this area in about 40 villages. In Miwok villagers near Tomales Bay were the first people to greet Sir Francis Drake, who was impressed with the richness of the land and its natural resources.

Russian fur trappers felt the same way when they settled Fort Ross in The establishment of these settlements spelled the end of the Coastal Miwoks. Most of the people were captured and made to work on the missions. Many others died from diseases brought by the settlers. Interested in land, Reed made a claim on the land north of Mission San Rafael. In General Vallejo came to the area to provide a defense against Russian fur traders.

Unable to pay his army in money, General Vallejo paid in land. One of the soldiers he paid was Captain Juan Castaneda, a native of Texas. In Castaneda built a home in the Santa Rosa Valley and in he received a payment in land consisting of Rancho Cotate.

This grant of 17, The land included the future cities of Rohnert Park, Cotati and Penngrove. Eventually Castaneda sold his land and it changed hands several times until Doctor Thomas Stokes Page bought it in The end of the s brought changes to the Rancho.

It was broken up into many ranches that were sold to Yankee squatters and homesteaders who wandered into the Santa Rosa Valley after the gold rush had played out. George P. McNear was the next owner. He took little personal interest in the ranch that was ably managed by Marin County blacksmith Fred Keppel. He became associated with the C. Previously a bitterly fought incorporation election on April 12, failed to pass leaving those who believed in Rohnert Park more determined than ever to build a successful city.

By law, the area would have to wait for two more years before another election could be held. There were detractors. The book's tells the introduction: "Fifty-five years ago, there was no Rohnert Park, only a vision in Paul Golis's mind. Thank Reply Share. The rules of replying: Be respectful. This is a space for friendly local discussions. No racist, discriminatory, vulgar or threatening language will be tolerated. Be transparent. Use your real name, and back up your claims.

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