stablished in 1876, Martinez is the County seat of Contra Costa County. It is located along the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers in the central part of the County. The City’s roots can be traced to the late 1840’s, when it served as a ferryboat transit point across the Carquinez straits on the way to the gold fields. By the time of its incorporation, Martinez had evolved into one of the area’s most significant trading posts and shipping ports. Today, the City covers 12.5 square miles and has approximately 36,700 residents. As one of California’ first towns, Martinez retains a strong sense of history and family. The renowned naturalist John Muir made Martinez his home for nearly a quarter of a century.
