John Muir Home
One of the historic landmarks in Martinez is the ranch home of John Muir. Muir (1838-1914) was an explorer, naturalist, author, and foremost advocate of forest protection and of National Parks. John Muir, the legendary wilderness explorer and writer who served as the first President of the Sierra Club, has achieved something of mythic proportions, over 150 years after his birth. His life, work, and vision have inspired countless Americans to appreciate and protect the natural world.

Born in Scotland, April 21, 1838, John Muir immigrated to the United States with his family when he was eleven years old. He traveled to California in the spring of 1868 and explored the high country of the Sierra Nevada, making California his life-long home. He also traveled widely in Alaska and throughout the American West, writing numerous books and articles describing natural wonders and arguing for the need to preserve wilderness.

When Muir traveled around the world in his later years, he inspired people all over the globe to protect places of special beauty and wildness. His life is celebrated by the existence of Yosemite National Park, which he was instrumental in establishing in 1890. In 1976, the California Historical Society voted Muir the greatest Californian in the state's history. Geographic place names for Muir exist in Alaska, California, Florida, Washington State, Wisconsin, and in his birthplace, Dunbar, Scotland. Now, thanks to legislative action in California, the recognition of John Muir is not confined to geography, but is added to the calendar.

The new train station in Martinez
The Martinez Intermodal Facility (above), opened in 2001. The funding for this marvelous train station came from a variety of sources including county, state, and federal Intermodal Surface Transportiation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) dollars, federal Highway-Railroad Grade Crossing Safety Improvements, and TEA-2l funding. Congressman Miller was an enthusiastic supporter and helped secure the funding that enabled this station to be built.

The Contra Costa County Courthouse

The Contra Costa County Finance Building

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