An Historical Perspective

Six to ten thousand years ago the Coast Miwok Indians took up residence in this area. They became well adapted to the utilization of the marsh land for their food and shelter and yet lived so softly on the land that hardly a trace of their existance can be found. In 1836, Mexico, which still had control of California, feared Russian invasion and sent Guadaloupe Vallejo here to build a fort, the Casa Grande, to help protect the area. His landing was near the top of a large meander on the river, at the end of Casa Grande Road, where the dog park is located now. The Native people were "hired" to help establish his huge estate. In 1837, smallpox arrived, killing the majority of the Native population. In 1852, more settlers moved into the area and "Newtown" was established at Vallejo's Landing. The river, beyond the Landing, was deemed impossible to navigate. Within a month though, it was found that steamers could travel further upstream. This allowed Petaluma to prosper and Newtown became history. In 1930, at the site where Newtown was born and died, a city landfill was developed. Active until the 1950's as a landfill, it then remained unused until 1995 when it was capped in clay and earth, creating the dog park as you see it now. As you walk to Station 7, look for signs of human having lived here in the past. You may see chard and artichoke plants by the pond on your left or across Adobe Creek.

Tour text from "Self Guided Tour of Shollenberger Park" available on site.