June 04, 2014

Petaluma - An early transportation hub

June 04, 2014/ Stephanie Bastianon

This is the seventh post in the series from Casa Grande High School students studying the historical transformation of Petaluma and its Watershed from 1850 with teachers Paula Biancalana and Jolene Thinnes.

Seen here is what used to be the McNear Grain and Feed Mill owned by George McNear. It is Located off the Petaluma River right next to part of the Santa Rosa and Petaluma Railroad. George McNear not only ran several of the most successful commercial businesses in Petaluma, but he also was one of the founding members of the Petaluma & Santa Rosa Railroad Company. The P&SR provided the commercial web that connected Sonoma County’s agricultural bounty with Petaluma, its river and the delivery of goods, services and people to San Francisco.

By Justin Bruihl

Watershed Classroom

Watershed Classroom supports the implementation of exceptionally engaging curriculum about the Petaluma River and Watershed to educate youth in Petaluma about their place in our environment, how their decisions and actions affect their environment and inspire youth to conserve and celebrate the Petaluma Watershed.