California State Parks Celebrates 175th Anniversary of Mount Diablo Initial Point
Public invited to commemorate a milestone in California’s surveying and mapping history
Summit Visitor Center at Mount Diablo State Park. Photo from California State Parks.
MOUNT DIABLO — California State Parks, in partnership with the Mount Diablo Surveyors Historical Society and the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association, invites the public to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Mount Diablo Initial Point on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the summit of Mount Diablo State Park.
“Mount Diablo State Park preserves a landscape that is significant not only for its natural beauty but also for its role in California's history,” said California State Parks Diablo Range District Superintendent Clint Elsholz. “As California celebrates 175 years of statehood, we are proud to partner with organizations that help tell this story and connect visitors to the people, places and events that shaped our state.”
Established in 1851, the Mount Diablo Initial Point became the reference point for surveying property boundaries across much of California and all of Nevada. The Initial Point played a critical role in mapping land ownership during California’s early development and continues to serve as the foundation for property surveys throughout the region today.
The celebration will feature demonstrations of antique and modern surveying equipment, hands-on activities, informational exhibits, and guided tours highlighting the original survey monuments housed inside the Summit Visitor Center. Land surveyors and historians will also be available to answer questions and share the history and significance of the Initial Point.
“Visitors can learn about California’s land surveying history while taking in spectacular views stretching from the Farallon Islands to the west, across the Central Valley and to the Sierra Nevada beyond,” said John Pettley, a local land surveyor and chair of the Mt. Diablo Surveyors Historical Society’s 175th Anniversary Event Committee.
WHAT: 175th Anniversary of Mount Diablo Initial Point Celebration
WHEN: Saturday, July 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Summit of Mount Diablo State Park
- North Gate Entrance from Walnut Creek – 1300 North Gate Road Walnut Creek, 94598
- South Gate Entrance from Danville – 2675 Mt. Diablo Scenic Boulevard Blackhawk, 94506
- The drive from either park entrance to the summit takes approximately 45 minutes. Visitors are encouraged to drive cautiously on the steep, winding roads and share the roadway safely with bicyclists.
- Parking at the summit is limited. The lower summit parking lot is the main parking area and offers parking, restrooms and picnic tables.
COST: The celebration is free; however, the park’s standard $10 day-use vehicle fee applies.
State Parks supports equal access. Visitors requiring accommodations are encouraged to contact the park in advance at (279) 587-2850 or 711, TTY Relay Service.
Subscribe to California State Parks News via e-mail at NewsRoom@parks.ca.gov
California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.