Once named Big Coyote, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley has a captivating story. It sits in Marin County California. Tamalpais-Homestead Valley is a census-designated place. This means the US Census Bureau recognizes it for statistical purposes.
Imagine this valley long ago. Native American tribes like the Miwok Indians lived here first. They called it Támal Pájiš. They left when the Spanish established a mission. The Spanish also built a Presidio in San Francisco.
In 1838 William Richardson got the land as part of Rancho Saucelito. Later attorney Samuel Reading Throckmorton acquired it. Then title passed to the San Francisco Savings Union. Dairymen of Portuguese Azorean birth then purchased the area. The Dias and Pimentel Silva families were among them. For about 60 years these families ran dairy ranches. Some family members still live there.
S.A. Moss purchased property in the heart of the valley. Developers Cranston Belvel and Dwyer renamed it Tamalpais Valley. Before 1908 it was known as Big Coyote. In 1908 they put 125 lots up for sale. Private purchasers bought them.
During the 1920s Tamalpais Valley grew quickly. It became a working-class and rural community. More families settled there. Small businesses opened along Shoreline Highway. The Tamalpais Service Station was one. By the 1950s Tamalpais-Homestead Valley had become a suburban settlement. It had its own primary school. It also had a sewer system and local government.
Tamalpais-Homestead Valley is near many landmarks. These include the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Mount Tamalpais State Park is nearby. You can also easily visit Muir Woods National Monument. Tennessee Valley and Muir Beach are close too. California State Route 1 runs through the valley. It is also known as Shoreline Highway and the Pacific Coast Highway.
Tamalpais-Homestead Valley has a total area of 4.7 square miles. That is about 12 square kilometers. A small portion is water 0.06 square miles. The population was 11492 at the 2020 census. The population density is about 2452 people per square mile.
Tamalpais-Homestead Valley offers many outdoor activities. Hiking and biking trails provide scenic views. You can see Mount Tamalpais. The Marin Headlands are visible. So are the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. Popular trails include Tennessee Valley trail and Miwok trail. Don’t forget Dias trail and Mountain Home trail.
Today Tamalpais-Homestead Valley combines its rich history with modern life. It is a great place to live. It is a wonderful place to visit.