Point of Timber, California facts for kids
Point of Timber was once a small community in Contra Costa County, California. It was located on Indian Slough, about 2 miles (3.2 km) north of Byron. It was also about 2.5 miles east of Union Cemetery in Brentwood.
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Point of Timber: A Historic California Spot
This place was first known as Point of Timber Landing. A man named Josiah Wills built the landing. He also helped make Indian Slough deeper. This connected the landing to the Old River.
How Point of Timber Got Its Name
The name "Point of Timber" came from a special area nearby. This area was a mile-wide strip of open Oak woodland. It stretched from east of John Marsh's house. It followed Arroyo del Sur all the way to the edge of the marshes. These marshes were next to Indian Slough and Old River.
A Busy Trail for Horses
Point of Timber was also the northern end of La Vereda del Monte. This was a trail that went through the backcountry of the Diablo Range. It led to the Central Valley. Ranchers and mesteñeros (people who handled wild horses) used this trail. They drove mustangs from Contra Costa County. These mustangs were often captured legally in events called rodeos. Some of these rodeos happened on Marsh's Rancho Los Meganos.
Life in the Settlement
The community at Point of Timber had a few important places. There was a general store where people could buy supplies. There was also a blacksmith shop, where metal items were made and repaired. A post office served the community from 1869 to 1882. It was closed for a short time between 1871 and 1872. Around 1882, fires in the tule reeds burned the landing. But it was rebuilt and ready for use again by 1884.
Famous Visitor: Jack London
The famous author Jack London once visited Point of Timber. He anchored his yacht, named "The Sea Wolf," at the landing. While there, he worked with Captain C. W. Lent on a book. The book was going to be called "The Seafaring Life of a Captain." Sadly, London passed away before the book was finished. So, it was never completed. Captain Lent was a retired sea captain. He lived in Byron and ran a passenger ship. This ship traveled between the landing and Stockton, California.
