There is a lot of history associated with the City of Martinez. Did you know that while the Martini cocktail was first served in San Francisco in 1862 at the Occidental Hotel, it is named for the town of Martinez?  Did you know that John Muir lived in Martinez from 1880 until his death in 1914? His home in now a National Historic Site and is open to the public. Did you know that baseball great, Joe DiMaggio was born in Martinez in 1915? DiMaggio’s Chris Craft boat is on display at Martinez Marina Park and some of his other items are on display at the Martinez museum. Did you know that the well known Alhambra Water was established in Martinez by L.M. Lasell in 1903, from water piped in from mineral springs in the Alhambra Valley? And, did you know that Martinez is a stop on the AMTRAK Railroad line.

Founded in 1849 and named for Don Ygnacio Martinez, an early century Commandante of the Presidio of San Francisco, it was declared the county seat of Contra Costa County in 1850 and today houses many County government offices including the Court House, County Jail, and County Hospital as well as the VA Hospital. In the early 20^th century Shell Oil built a refinery that still is in operation today and a major employer of local residents. The original residents of Martinez were mostly of Irish, Portuguese and Italian heritage and the town still retains some of that early time flavor with some wonderful eating establishments. The city center is a bustling, walk-able downtown area, close to many of the government buildings with many antique shops as well as specialty shops to occupy ones time.

Martinez is a city of neighborhoods, from the older, turn of the century area close to town and filled with Victorian style homes to newer sub- divisions as well as homes with acreage and homes with horses. There is something for everyone here. Martinez has parks too, 16 of them including the Waterfront Marina, where there are still some commercial fishing boats operating.

Martinez is kind of the hidden gem of the area . . . it is a very nice place to set down roots, it’s full of history, yet, because it is the County Seat,  it’s a vital and forward thinking community.

Come check it out.