Hamilton History

In response to the growing need for military air defense in the 1920's, a parcel of Novato farmland on the San Pablo Bay was chosen as the future site for Hamilton Field. Constructed in the early 1930's and dedicated in 1935, Hamilton was originally established as a bombardment base of the 1st Wing of the Air Force.

Decommissioned and vacated in 1975, the former base now serves as planned community with residential, commercial, open space, and civic uses. Hamilton remains an important historical and community asset of Novato and Marin County.

The Main Gate is considered significant for its association with Air Force history in northern California, and with World War II actions in the Pacific Theater. While the current main gate at Hamilton was built a few years after the end of World War II, it is closely identified with the base and was constructed in a compatible style. Therefore, it is considered of exceptional importance and is included in the district as a contributing structure.

--excerpted from Hamilton Field by the Novato Historical Guild