Mill Valley, California
Mill Valley, California, Marin County is an enchanting location with a rich history that might captivate anyone interested in ghost towns. Nestled in the scenic beauty of Marin County, this town offers a glimpse into the past while surrounded by the allure of California’s natural landscapes. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Marin County
Zip Code: 94941
Latitude / Longitude: 37.9060° N, 122.5445° W
Elevation: 79 feet (24 meters)
Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (PT)
Established: Not available
Disestablished: Not available
Comments: Mill Valley was named for a sawmill built in the 1830s by John Reed, an Irish immigrant. The town was originally part of a land grant known as Rancho Corte Madera del Presidio. It grew in the early 20th century as a summer retreat for San Francisco residents due to its picturesque location and cooler climate.
Remains: Mill Valley is not a traditional ghost town, as it is still inhabited and thriving. However, it retains historical buildings and sites that reflect its storied past, including the Old Mill Park and the Mill Valley Depot.
Mill Valley is located on the western and northern shores of Richardson Bay, and the eastern slopes of Mount Tamalpais. Beyond the flat coastal area and marshlands, it occupies narrow wooded canyons, mostly of second-growth redwoods, on the southeastern slopes of Mount Tamalpais.
The Mill Valley 94941 ZIP code also includes the following adjacent unincorporated communities: Almonte, Alto, Homestead Valley, Tamalpais Valley, and Strawberry. The Muir Woods National Monument is also located just outside the city limits.
Current Status: Mill Valley is a vibrant and affluent community known for its artistic culture, high quality of life, and proximity to the stunning landscapes of Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods National Monument.
The first people known to inhabit Marin County, the Coast Miwok, arrived approximately 6,000 years ago. The territory of the Coast Miwok included all of Marin County, north to Bodega Bay and southern Sonoma County. More than 600 village sites have been identified, including 14 sites in the Mill Valley area.
Nearby archaeological discoveries include the rock carvings and grinding sites on Ring Mountain. The pre-Missionization population of the Coast Miwok is estimated to be between 1,500 (Alfred L. Kroeber’s estimate for the year 1770 A.D.) to 2,000 (Sherburne F. Cook’s estimate for the same year).
The pre-Missionization population of the Coast Miwok may have been as high as 5000. Cook speculated that by 1848 their population had decreased to 300, and down to 60 by 1880.
As of 2011, there are over 1,000 registered members of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria which includes both the Coast Miwok and the Southern Pomo, all of whom can date their ancestry back to the 14 survivors’ original tribal ancestors.
Remarks: While not a ghost town in the typical sense, Mill Valley’s history and charm provide a unique blend of past and present. Its historic structures and natural beauty continue to draw visitors and residents who value both tradition and innovation.
By 1834 the Mission era had ended and California was under the control of the Mexican government. They took Miwok ancestral lands, divided them, and gave them to Mexican soldiers or relatives who had connections with the Mexican governor.
The huge tracts of land, California Ghost Townlled ranchos by the Mexican settlers, or Californios, soon covered the area. The Miwoks who had not died or fled were often employed under a state of indentured servitude to the California land grant owners.
In 1834, the governor of Alta California José Figueroa awarded to John T. Reed the first land grant in Marin, Rancho Corte Madera del Presidio.
