San Anselmo
San Anselmo is a town that is steeped in history. It was ranch land until 1874 when the North Pacific Coast Railroad added a spur line to San Anselmo from San Rafael. When the line was completed between Sausalito and Tomales in 1875, the newly sprung up town was called "Junction." The name was changed to San Anselmo, from the original land grant, in 1883. Families settled and a school was built, but the town's real boost came when the San Francisco Theological Seminary was built in 1892. The stone buildings of Montgomery and Scott Halls look like a castle on top of the knoll where they still stand and are a favorite walking spot for residents. Families from San Francisco who built summer cabins along San Anselmo Creek built permanent residences after the 1906 earthquake, and the town was incorporated in 1907. After the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge, as automobiles became more important in California life, the railroad was closed in 1941 and Center Street was built on the railway bed. Enjoy photos and memorabilia documenting the town's story at the San Anselmo Historical Museum, located at 110 Tunstead Avenue in the Town Hall complex, or experience the architectural beauty and history of the town through the self-guided walking tour provided by the San Anselmo Historical Commission.
Not surprisingly, San Anselmo was voted by Sunset Magazine "Best in the West" for antiquing. It is known as the "Antique Capital of Northern California" because there are more than 150 antique dealers downtown. This attracts collectors from all over the West Coast. Creek-side restaurants, cafes, galleries, antique shops, boutiques and a small winery line San Anselmo Avenue, which runs along San Anselmo Creek and is a notable shopping destination.
The Town of San Anselmo is one of a sprinkling of small towns west of San Rafael. It is known as a family town, with an easy pace and friendly atmosphere. The 12,000 residents enjoy Marin's fantastic weather, with average summertime highs of 85 degrees and average wintertime lows of 41 degrees Fahrenheit and an average yearly rainfall of 47.5 inches. Just over 1,000 students attend top-rated Sir Francis Drake High School, a California Distinguished School.
Many San Anselmo homes back up to one of the town's 5 creeks. Creeks and hills and shady groves provide the settings for the town's many parks and playgrounds. Creek Park is the site of many outdoor events and performances; it offers grassy areas, picnic areas and creek access in the center of downtown. Memorial Park has 3 baseball diamonds, a batting cage, tennis courts, a children's playground, and basketball courts. For relatively undeveloped, untouched natural beauty enjoy the seclusion of Sorich Ranch Park and the 13.5-acre rock outcropping of Faude Park.
Still a junction today, the town is known as "The Hub" because three major Marin arteries meet there: Sir Francis Drake, which runs west from Corte Madera all the way to the coast, Center which heads into Fairfax, and 4th Street, the main drag of San Rafael, which turns into Red Hill Avenue in San Anselmo.
