William Marcus West facts for kids
William Marcus "Mark" West was an important Scottish American pioneer. He moved to what is now eastern Sonoma County, California, in the United States. He helped settle and develop this area.
Mark West's Early Life and Family
Mark West arrived in the Sonoma County area in 1832. He soon married Guadalupe Vasquez. She was the sister of a famous person named General Vallejo. At that time, this part of California was still part of Mexico.
Mark West's wife's full name was Maria Francisca Guadalupe Vasquez y Lugo. She was the daughter of Felipe Vasquez y and Nicanor Lugo. Mark and Maria got married in 1834 at the Mission San Carlos Boromeo. Her family had a long history in the area. Her grandfather, Juan Athanasio Vasquez, was a soldier. He was part of the Anza Expedition in 1776. Her father, Jose Felipe Vasquez y Bojorquez, received land called Rancho Chamiscal in 1835.
Building a Life in California
In 1840, Mark West gained ownership of a large piece of land. It was called Rancho San Miguel. This ranch was about 6,663 acres (27 square kilometers) in size. It was located north of Santa Rosa Creek.
Mark West was very active in developing his new home. He built a large estate, known as a hacienda. He also set up a post office for sending mail. In addition, he created a trading post. This was a place where people could buy and sell goods. These important places were all near a waterway now known as Mark West Creek.
Mark West's Lasting Legacy
Mark West left a lasting mark on the area. Several places are named after him today. These names help us remember his contributions.
- Mark West Creek: A stream that flows through the region.
- Mark West School: A local school.
- Mark West, California: A small community.
- Mark West Springs, California: Another community in the area.
These names show how important Mark West was to the early history of Sonoma County.
