For those unfamiliar with its location, the History Center can be found just around the right-side corner of the Moraga Library. Standing guard at the Center’s door is a rusty, iron “monument” measuring 1-foot square by 3-feet in height and weighing 400 pounds. Probably the most interesting feature, besides the California grizzly bear molded into the top, are the many bullet holes dotting its exterior.

    According to Moraga Historical Society (MHS) records, “This monument was one of the original county line markers.  In 1895, the marker was placed close to what is now the intersection of Fish Ranch Road and Grizzly Peak Boulevard. Similar markers had been originally placed elsewhere along the county line.”  That county line marked the boundary between Alameda and Contra Costa. 

    There is an explanation for all of the bullet holes. “In the early part of the 20th century, there was a bounty on coyotes,” stated MHS. “The coyote hunters often used the marker for target practice.”

    When the Grizzly Peak roadway was first paved in the early 1930s, the marker was removed from its position and unceremoniously dumped down the side of an embankment.  It was later rescued by two teenagers on horseback.

    Where the marker disappeared to, and for how long, remained a mystery until it popped up again in the form of a donation to MHS. Signed paperwork noted the addition to the Historical Society’s collection of “1 Alameda/Contra Costa County Boundary Marker” from George L. Hemphill of Lodi, California on July 29, 2000.

    The marker was installed in its current location in November 2001. MHS paperwork noted, “The marker is of special interest to our Society, because Fish Ranch Road up to Grizzly Peak Blvd. is within the boundaries of our Rancho Laguna de los Palos Colorados.”   

    Special thanks to MHS President Susan Sperry.