Welcome to Novato

Novato (pop: 52,700) is a city located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, in northern Marin County.

Novato was first established in 1839 when the Mexican government granted Rancho Novato to Fernando Feliz. Subsequently four additional land grants were made in the area; Rancho San Jose to Ignacio Pacheco in 1840, Rancho Corte Madera de Novato to John Martin, a Scot, in 1840, Rancho Olompali awarded in 1843

The original town was located around Novato Creek at what is now South Novato Boulevard. A railroad was built in 1879, connecting Novato to Sonoma County and San Rafael. The area around the train depot became known as New Town, and forms the edge of what today is Old Town Novato. The current depot was built in 1917, but closed in 1959 and is largely derelict.