Yes, Sonoma County of Northern California is indeed a virtual treasure chest packed to the utmost with a wealth of human history and their wide variety of cultures, their ethnicities, their traditions, their philosophies and their aspirations. It would take many volumes of huge tomes to accurately depict their stories in detail. But, as my space here is limited, I shall attempt to abbreviate as best as I can and only hope that I do them justice. However, if my endeavors fall short and I have not given their stories the voice that they so earnestly deserve, I beg their forgiveness as well as yours.
Human history began in Sonoma County with the Pomo, the Coast Miwok and the Wappo Indian nations who were its first known inhabitants between 8000 and 5000 BC. These early natives were attracted to this part of the world by many of its positive aspects but the main and most significant ones were:
* The easy access to many and varying bodies of water which served them for transportation, recreation, hygiene, hydration, ritualistic ceremonies and provided them with an abundance of fishing opportunities.
* The availability of a great number of hunting grounds for large and small game on the region s dry lands, wetlands, swamps and forests. Additionally, the area s indigenous and migratory birds were countless.
* The richness and fertility of the soil provided them great means to grow and cultivate their edible, ritualistic and medicinal fruits, vegetables, grains and herbs.
* The temperate climate made for an easy and comfortable existence without the need to worry or struggle with extreme heat and unbearable cold.
Each of the Indians tribes I mentioned above prospered and thrived while living in peace with each other and in harmony with nature. Life in Sonoma County was good until the white men arrived.
Beginning with the late 16th century until the middle part of the 19th century, new settlers began arriving from Europe, particularly from Spain and Russia, by the shiploads. They were on a quest to find lands for farming, furs and timber for commerce and to civilize and convert the natives into Christianity.
The first permanent Russian settlement grounded its roots along the seacoast of Sonoma County in 1812 and was named Fort Ross. Fort Ross was sold to a Mexican pioneer in 1841 and most of the Russians left the area. Concurrently, the Spaniards were establishing a chain of missions on the coast of California. Their 21st and last California mission ended up in the Sonoma County region in 1823 and was named Mission San Francisco Solano.
California was annexed as a State on the United States in 1850 and Sonoma County was officially recognized as a county with its local government in the City of Sonoma. In 1854, however, the county s government relocated to the larger city of Santa Rosa.
Today, Sonoma County is still governed from its county seat in Santa Rosa and to commemorate its historic treasures, many grand monuments have been erected within its borders.
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