San Anselmo’s Forgotten Past Is Too Powerful To Ignore—See Staggering Truths

Tue, 05 May 2026 22:04:19 +0000

San Anselmo’s Forgotten Past Is Too Powerful to Ignore — See the Staggering Truths Nestled in the sun-drenched hills of Marin County, California, lies San Anselmo—a charming town known today for its quaint downtown, quirky boutiques, and vibrant arts scene. Yet beyond its modern facade hides a powerful, lesser-known history that shapes the identity of this historic community. San Anselmo’s forgotten past is too rich—and too profound—to be ignored. Beneath its peaceful present lies a legacy shaped by Indigenous roots, colonial influences, progressive movements, and quiet resilience. Discovering this forgotten past reveals staggering truths that redefine our understanding of this endearing Northern Californian gem. ### The Native American Foundations Often Overlooked Long before San Anselmo’s first settlers arrived, the area was home to an important coastal watershed inhabited by the Ohlone people, specifically the Mission San Rafael Band. Living sustainably along the San Anselmo Creek, they thrived through hunting, fishing, and gathering, forging deep spiritual and cultural connections to the land. Despite the upheavals of colonization and missionization, remnants of their presence remain—evident in place names, archaeological findings, and oral histories passed down through generations. Acknowledging this foundation challenges the myth of “empty frontier” land and honors the enduring legacy of the Ohlone.