Shadows on the Hills
Place Names of Contra Costa County, CA

by William Mero

Have you ever wondered at the origins of your own street name - perhaps those of your neighborhood or town? Contra Costa is small in area but once played a huge role in the struggle to settle the West. The Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers along with the wild and dangerous delta made this county the crossroads of California. The heritage of many peoples and many events are echoed in Contra Costa place names. As new settlers and adventurers invaded the land of the first Americans, place names also changed. Old place names disappear or become historical "ghosts" recalling people and events that have faded from our popular memories.

Indian wars, Spanish conquistadors, scalp collectors and grizzly hunters are found within the pages of this book. Bloody range wars, infamous brothels and even a drunken pig are only remembered as names on dusty maps. You live where Spanish dons, outlaws, swindlers, mining barons, cattle and wheat kings have risen and fallen. All have become part of the many stories behind our local place names, past and present.

Before the discovery of the oil and gas in the Central Valley, Contra Costa was the energy capital of California. A time remembered today only by the names of its coal kings and scattered ghost towns. This county's silver and copper rush and its redwood logging boom are long past but for those who know our history, their presence still lives on in the names of hills and now silent canyons.

After both scoundrels and heroes are gone, only their names remain on the land, fading and fleeting like shadows on the hills.

The book is priced at $19.95. California residents add $1.65 (8.25%) per book.

Please add $5.00 shipping/handling for the first book and $1.00 for each additional book to cover USPS 2-3 day Priority Service.

Books may be picked up at the History Center during regular hours or shipped. Mail check or money order (made payable to "Contra Costa County Historical Society") to:

Contra Costa County Historical Society
610 Main Street
Martinez, CA 94553-1129

An historical service of the Contra Costa County Historical Society.

For more information:

Telephone: 925-229-1042
Fax: 925-229-1772
e-Mail: info@cocohistory.com

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