Shannon-Williamson Ranch

Shannon-Williamson Ranch is the only farm complex of the 19th century in eastern Contra Costa County that has survived untouched. It has been owned and run by Thomas Shannon ‘s descendants for four generations.

The ranch is important for its association with the early farming sector in Contra Costa County, namely wheat and barley, and for its significance to the county and state. Wheat has been the dominant field crop in the county for almost half a century until the 1890s. The county was also a leading producer of barley in the state and the country.

Buildings have maintained their architectural value, the original fabric and the character of the late 1800s. The home, completed around 1896, is an eclectic Italian style with a free classic adaptation and a spindlework indicative of rural housing designed between 1880 and 1900.

The Williamson family moved to Antioch in 1867. They were given a residence in 1874 signed by the U.S. then. The Chancellor, Ulises S. Grant. The original house was burnt down in 1895. The new house that stands here is the one that was rebuilt after the burn. The ranch operated from 1875 to 1949. The ranch was saved in 1987 by the efforts of one of the inhabitants of Donald Williamson ‘s house. The once 4,000-acre (1,600 ha) ranch cultivated crops such as wheat , barley, hay and livestock. The ranch currently maintains approximately 3 acres (1.2 ha) of the former ranch, including a two-story Italianate home, 3 barns and many other structures, including outbuildings and a small orchard.

The ranch is currently closed to the public and there are currently no plans for the future of the house or land. The surrounding area was named after the ranch, such as the housing subdivision and the shopping mall right across the street. The ranch property has a fence around the entire property.