El Marinero Chapter

Daughters of the American Revolution

Marin County California

The name "El Marinero" is the affectionate name given by early Spanish settlers to an Indian Chief of the Coast Miwoks who were living in this area when the Spaniards arrived.

The Miwok Indians lived along the coast north of the Golden Gate. Their settlements were clustered along the bay and ocean estuaries. Elk, deer and grizzly bears roamed Mount Tamalpais, the hills and valleys of the area. There was an abundance of fresh water and food in this land of plenty.

When Mission San Rafael Archangel was founded in 1817, the Indians found the Franciscan Friars to be real friends. The Indians were taught many crafts. The Chief and many of his people were Christianized and baptized at the San Rafael Mission. The Chief was a good boatman and often ferried small craft over San Francisco Bay, thus the friars call him "El Marinero - The Sailor". Later, the Anglo-Saxon people began to call the area "Marin" shortening "El Marino." His name was chosen for our Chapter because of his efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of the Miwok Indians while establishing a friendship and cooperation with the Franciscans, in the community which is now Marin.

A Sundial with a marker commemorating "El Marinero" was placed in the plaza in Sausalito, and dedicated on December 5, 1959. The marker was relocated to Mission San Rafael and rededicated on March 21, 1982. On December 12, 1998, Daughters met at the Mission for another rededication ceremony. It carries the following inscription:

MARIN INDIAN WARRIOR   Baptized by Franciscan Fathers Ferryman on the San Francisco Bay Became known as El Marinero (The Sailor) Died about 1835 Presented by El Marinero Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution December 5, 1959

MEETINGS

El Marinero Chapter meets once a month, September through May, on the 2nd Saturday. Meetings are generally in the homes of our members. The meetings begin at 10:00 AM with lunch at noon and program following. Programs are interesting, entertaining, and educational.

The Framers of the Constitution of the United States of America believed in the right to live and work free from tyranny. The El Marinero Chapter reminds you that we must be vigilant to protect the freedoms guaranteed to us by this magnificent document. Lost rights may never be regained, so celebrate Constitution Week, September 17-23 2007, by becoming better informed citizens.