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Ignacio, California facts for kids

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Ignacio
Ignacio is located in California
Ignacio
Ignacio
Location in California
Ignacio is located in the United States
Ignacio
Ignacio
Location in the United States
Country United States
State California
County Marin County
Elevation
23 ft (7 m)
Bigrockridgestrailnovato
An early morning view from Big Rock Ridge trail.

Ignacio is a small place in Marin County, California. It's known as an unincorporated community. This means it's a neighborhood that doesn't have its own local government. Instead, it's managed by the county.

Ignacio used to be called Pacheco. It is located about 3 miles (5 km) southeast of downtown Novato. The area sits at an elevation of about 23 feet (7 meters) above sea level. You can find Ignacio just west of another community called Bel Marin Keys, CA. It's also north of where U.S. Route 101 meets Ignacio Boulevard.

A Look Back: Ignacio's History

Ignacio has a rich history that goes back many years. It was once home to Native American villages and later became part of a large land grant. Over time, it has grown into the community it is today.

Early Days: Native American Villages

Long ago, before European settlers arrived, the land around Ignacio was home to Native American people. They were part of the Coast Miwok tribe. Historians know of two important Coast Miwok villages that were located near Ignacio. One village was called Puyuku, and it was found south of where Ignacio is now. Another village, named Shotokmo-cha, was located to the southeast. These villages show that people have lived in this area for a very long time.

Rancho San Jose: A Big Land Grant

In the 1840s and 1850s, Ignacio became part of a huge piece of land called Rancho San Jose. This was a large land grant given by the government. Governor Juan Bautista Alvarado awarded this land to a man named Ignacio Pacheco. The rancho was very big, covering about 6,659 acres (27 square kilometers).

Ignacio Pacheco passed away in 1864. After his death, his large estate was divided among his family members. This division helped shape how the land was used and developed in the years that followed.

World War II and Modern Growth

During World War II, Ignacio played a role in supporting the war effort. It became a site for military housing. These homes were built for people working at Hamilton Air Force Base, which was nearby. After the war, these military houses were eventually taken down. In their place, a more modern suburban community began to grow. This transformation helped Ignacio become the neighborhood it is today, with many homes and families.

The Post Office Story

The community of Ignacio has had its own post office for many years. The first post office in Ignacio opened its doors in 1893. However, it later closed down in 1944. After some time, the post office re-opened in 1961. This shows how the community has changed and grown over the decades.

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