According to the Marin History Museum, Coast Miwok and Pomo people were the area’s earliest residents, occupying the hills and valleys as early as 10,000 years ago. It’s easy to imagine small indigenous villages along what is now known as Arroyo de San Jose, thriving on native plants and abundant wildlife.

Spanish explorers arrived in the 18th century, dividing these scenic lands and granting them to Mexican citizens. Later, in 1840, Mexican Governor Alvarado awarded the 6,680-acre Rancho San Jose—land that includes what is now the Marin Country Club neighborhood—to Ignacio Pacheco. Over the following decade, the area continued to evolve as settlers arrived and parts of the rancho changed hands.

The land may have initially supported vineyards and been used for cattle grazing. Later, apple and walnut orchards were established, with irrigation provided by the Arroyo de San Jose. After Ignacio’s death in 1864, his estate was divided among his heirs. Today, Herbert Rowland, the great-grandson, and other family members still own 70 acres of the original land grant and live in an Italianate home built by Gumesindo Pacheco in 1897. Vineyards were planted by the family on this property in 1970, and are still in production today.

In 1946, Trousdale Construction acquired a portion of the original land grant and began transforming the area along the Arroyo de San Jose into a golf course and country club. The facility opened for play in spring 1958. At that time, the subdivision was also established, and home construction began along the main roads. In subsequent years, companies such as Debra Homes completed the development of the area.

Original plans would have extended stub streets to the ridgetops, with homes encircling the valley. Recognizing that a full build-out would destroy the area’s natural character, the community coalesced to persuade developers to donate the surrounding land to Marin County Open Space. Today, neighbors remain active in land-use issues and strive to protect the neighborhood’s natural resources and character.