Occidental (population of 1,126) has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1876 as a stop on the North Pacific Coast Railroad. Originally known as "Howard's Station", the town's roots are intertwined with the tale of Christopher Folkmann, a Danish sailor who, in 1849, 'jumped ship' from the US Navy in San Francisco and headed north in a stolen boat. Adopting the alias Dutch Bill Howard, Folkmann acquired land and in the 1870s granted the railroad the right-of-way in exchange for a rail pass and station naming rights. The town retained Howard's Station moniker until 1876 when it officially became OCCIDENTAL.
The arrival of Italian immigrants in the 1880s, drawn to farming, coal mining, and logging, marked the town's first boom. Today, Occidental maintains its historical ties, evident in the presence of original families and two family-style Italian restaurants lining its two-block main street.
The culinary landscape of Occidental has expanded to include a diverse array of cuisines highlighting locally grown produce, fine wines, and craft beers. The town has also become a haven for artists and musicians, with their creations adorning local stores and influencing the community's cultural scene. The Occidental Center for the Arts serves as a hub for creative expression, offering classes, workshops, and concerts featuring local talents, including the renowned Occidental Community Choir.
Occidental is nestled among the redwood forests of Sonoma wine country, caressed by Pacific Ocean breezes. The town serves as an ideal base for exploring the myriad activities and attractions of Western Sonoma. From thrilling ZipLine Adventures to challenging world-class bike rides and leisurely hikes through redwoods or along the nearby coast, Occidental offers a variety of outdoor experiences. Visitors can unwind in nearby wineries, savoring a glass of wine amidst the scenic beauty.
While Occidental traces its origins as a travel hotspot, it has evolved into a laid-back destination renowned for its welcoming community, eclectic boutique shopping, natural surroundings, and its status as a stop along the picturesque Bohemian Highway. The town continues to embrace its historical legacy while inviting visitors to revel in its modern charms and discover the diverse wonders of Western Sonoma.
The arrival of Italian immigrants in the 1880s, drawn to farming, coal mining, and logging, marked the town's first boom. Today, Occidental maintains its historical ties, evident in the presence of original families and two family-style Italian restaurants lining its two-block main street.
The culinary landscape of Occidental has expanded to include a diverse array of cuisines highlighting locally grown produce, fine wines, and craft beers. The town has also become a haven for artists and musicians, with their creations adorning local stores and influencing the community's cultural scene. The Occidental Center for the Arts serves as a hub for creative expression, offering classes, workshops, and concerts featuring local talents, including the renowned Occidental Community Choir.
Occidental is nestled among the redwood forests of Sonoma wine country, caressed by Pacific Ocean breezes. The town serves as an ideal base for exploring the myriad activities and attractions of Western Sonoma. From thrilling ZipLine Adventures to challenging world-class bike rides and leisurely hikes through redwoods or along the nearby coast, Occidental offers a variety of outdoor experiences. Visitors can unwind in nearby wineries, savoring a glass of wine amidst the scenic beauty.
While Occidental traces its origins as a travel hotspot, it has evolved into a laid-back destination renowned for its welcoming community, eclectic boutique shopping, natural surroundings, and its status as a stop along the picturesque Bohemian Highway. The town continues to embrace its historical legacy while inviting visitors to revel in its modern charms and discover the diverse wonders of Western Sonoma.
