Novato

Novato is a city located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, in northern Marin County. Novato is located about 10 miles (16 km) north-northwest of San Rafael, at an elevation of 30 feet above sea level (nine meters). As of 2009, the State of California estimated the city population to be about 52,737. Novato is about 30 miles (48 km) north of San Francisco on U.S.-101. What is now Novato was originally the site of several Coast... more

Novato is a city located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, in northern Marin County. Novato is located about 10 miles (16 km) north-northwest of San Rafael, at an elevation of 30 feet above sea level (nine meters). As of 2009, the State of California estimated the city population to be about 52,737. Novato is about 30 miles (48 km) north of San Francisco on U.S.-101. What is now Novato was originally the site of several Coast Miwok villages: Chokeche, near downtown Novato, Puyuku, near Ignacio, and Olompali, at the present Olompali State Historic Park. Novato was first established in 1839 when the Mexican government granted Rancho Novato, consisting of some 8,876 acres (36 km²), to Fernando Feliz. Subsequently four additional land grants were made in the area; Rancho San Jose to Ignacio Pacheco in 1840, Rancho Corte de Madera de Novato to John Martin, a Scot, in 1840, Rancho Olompali awarded in 1843 to Camilo Ynitia, son of a Coast Miwok chief, and Rancho Nicasio,... less