By Mary Swift-Swan
Published: August, 2004
Vallejo has a variety of home styles that date back to the earliest days of California. The city is named after General Vallejo, who was a staunch and true defender of Northern California. After he forced Indians to understand his claim to the land, he hired many to work for him and was known for fairness in his relations with them. He is credited with defending and protecting the land from Russian claims when Mexico no longer supported their army by paying and housing the men of his assigned division out of his own pocket. He kept his men present in and around Fort Ross to stop further claims by Russia just by keeping them there until his efforts encouraged the abandonment of the Fort. He welcomed and aided new American settlers.
He protested the actions of John Sutter in his treatment of the indigenous Indian tribes that his land grabbing displaced. In return, those that tried to form the Bear Republic stripped him of all he owned but one humble home and jailed him for a prolonged period. He remained in the Vallejo area after he was released, however, and continued to be a well thought of and respected individual.
The homes in Vallejo reflect the growth and changes in the state. They range from a few modest neighborhoods to fine and beautiful homes of both old Victorians and tracks of new homes. Many of the Victorian homes are being discovered and restored by enthusiasts; in particular, are Victorians situated in areas with views of the port and Mare Island.
John Ortiz and his family have restored their home after owning it for seven years. “It is never done with a Victorian, but they are beautiful homes. The house next door at one time was going to be torn down to create a play yard for the second house up that street. Local enthusiasts in the 1970s formed a human chain around the home to stop the bulldozers. It worked and the leader of the protestors bought it to preserve it for her lifetime. She lives in the house still today. The house across the street had been covered in stucco. When the stucco was removed, it was a delightful suprise. Green marble columns framed the windows, carvings of singing coyotes decorate the corners, with a ship carved under the peak of the roof. The Bay Area housing frenzy has not hit this rustic gem of an area yet. The Victorian homes range in price from $350K to $800K.”
New tracks of elegant homes now cover the hills across from Six Flags Marine World and in four golf havens, like Hiddenbrooke. They range in price from $400-$500,000, and are being sold as quickly as they are being built. Charming, single-family homes built along the water’s edge are also on the market.
If you’re looking for a home, Vallejo is a city with many affordable choices. The ferry link to the City makes commuting a pleasure. For six more weeks (until mid-September), “Wednesday Celebrations” will fill Georgia Street with fun and music in the afterwork hours. The street is closed to traffic, and everyone is welcome to come out to be a part of the diverse and growing community of Vallejo.
