John Muir National Historic Site

John Muir National Historic Site, an Italianate Victorian mansion of 10,000 square feet, with 14 rooms, is located in Martinez, California. The former Muir family home still contains some original furniture, including John Muir’s writing desk. Dr. John Strentzel, Muir’s father-in-law, built the house in 1883, and Muir and his wife Louisa moved into it in 1890. Muir was cofounder and the first president of the Sierra Club, and although, as a young conservationist, the man known as the Father of the National Parks held some views that we now know are unacceptable, he evolved in his later years, and his lasting legacy is commemorated at this historic site. Famously, Muir is known to have said, “The mountains are calling and I must go,” and this site continues to represent the importance of connecting people to the parks.