Presentation by Katherine Wright: The Legacy of Sam McDonald

The Legacy of Sam McDonald
Courthouse Docket Presentation by Katherine Wright

Join us at the San Mateo County History Museum on March 14 at 1 p.m. for a fascinating talk by Park Ranger III Katherine Wright about Sam McDonald and the remarkable story behind the county park that bears his name.

Born in Louisiana in 1884, the son and grandson of slaves, Sam McDonald came to California as a child and eventually found work at Stanford University in 1903. In 1917, he discovered the redwood forests near La Honda and fell in love with the area. He began buying land there in 1919, eventually amassing over 400 acres that he called the La Honda-Alpine-Ytaioa Reserve. After his death in 1957, McDonald bequeathed the property to Stanford, which sold it to San Mateo County the following year. The park opened in 1970 and now encompasses 867 acres of pristine redwood forest, meadows, and ridgeline trails.

McDonald's deep connections to Stanford and his passion for preserving the area's ancient redwoods make his story a unique chapter in our county's history. Don't miss this chance to learn more about the man behind the park.

The program takes place at the San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City.

Sponsored by the Cypress Lawn Heritage Foundation. Included with museum admission; free for members.

For more information, visit www.historysmc.org.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher San Mateo County Historical Association