Last updated: June 30, 2024
Place
The Strentzel/Muir Gravesite
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Martinez,CA
Significance:
Strentzel/Muir Family Gravesite.
Designation:
Historic Site
Amenities
1 listed
Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board
The Strentzel/Muir Family Gravesite
The Strentzel/Muir Family Gravesite, where the renowned naturalist and conservationist John Muir is buried alongside his family members, is an area of significant historical and personal importance. This serene and reflective site is open to pedestrians and cyclists Monday through Friday from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The gravesite offers a quiet place for visitors to pay their respects and connect with the legacy of John Muir, who dedicated his life to the preservation of the natural world.
Visiting the Gravesite
Weekday Access
The gravesite is accessible to pedestrians and cyclists during weekdays, providing a peaceful environment for those who wish to visit independently.
Weekend Tours
On Saturdays and Sundays, ranger-led tours of the site are available, offering visitors the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the lives of the Muir and Strentzel families and their contributions to conservation and horticulture. These tours are dependent on staff availability and provide a more structured and informative experience.
Reservations and Contact Information
Due to the limited seating available for transportation to the site, reservations are required for the ranger-led tours. This ensures that all visitors have a comfortable and organized visit. To make a reservation or inquire about tour availability, visitors can call the John Muir National Historic Site at 925-228-8860 and follow the prompts to reach the front desk.
Historical Significance
The gravesite not only marks the final resting place of John Muir but also includes other family members, emphasizing the deep roots and connections of the Muir family to the land and their shared commitment to environmental stewardship. Visiting the gravesite allows individuals to reflect on the enduring impact of Muir’s work and the importance of preserving natural spaces for future generations.
Location and Accessibility
Situated within the tranquil grounds of the John Muir National Historic Site, the gravesite is designed to be accessible while maintaining the integrity and solemnity of the area. The park’s efforts to facilitate both independent visits and guided tours ensure that a wide range of visitors can experience this significant historical location.
Additonal History of the Gravesite
The Strentzel/Muir Family Gravesite, where John Muir and several family members are buried, is located about one mile south of the Muir House within the John Muir National Historic Site. This serene site is accessible to pedestrians and cyclists Monday through Friday from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. Ranger-led tours are available on weekends when staff is available. Due to limited seating for transportation, reservations for these tours are required. To book a tour, you can call 925-228-8860 and follow the prompts to reach the John Muir NHS front desk.
The gravesite is part of a 1.27-acre parcel that includes a historic pear orchard and a small family burial area. The land originally belonged to the Muir-Hanna Family Trust and was added to the John Muir National Historic Site in 1988 following Congressional legislation. The National Park Service acquired the property in 2000 after the American Land Conservancy purchased it with the intent to transfer it to the NPS.
Historically, the gravesite has been a place of pilgrimage for admirers of John Muir, including notable figures like his friends John Burroughs and Charles Keeler. Annual pilgrimages were organized by groups such as the Sierra Club and local women's clubs, often featuring speakers, wreath-laying ceremonies, and the singing of "Auld Lang Syne."