Ross

Ross is a small, largely residential community in Marin located approximately 15 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge.

After the Mexican Revolution of 1821, the “land grant” system of parceling out land gave rise to what we now know as Marin County. Ross was originally part of an 8,877-acre Mexican land grant to Juan B.R. Cooper in 1840 known as Ranch Punta de Quentin Canada de San Anselmo. The Town of Ross itself was named in honor of James Ross, who purchased the land in 1857 for $50,000. Ross built his home on Redwood Drive and moved there with his wife and three children. In 1911, Ross Common, the town’s main gathering spot, was created from a 6-acre patch of donated Annie Ross greensward. The 297 acres she had remaining make up part of the Town of Ross today.

Once the town was incorporated one of the first actions of the new town council was to make it illegal to cut down trees without town approval. Soon the streets were paved, streetlights erected, concrete bridges built over the creek and a firehouse constructed. Thanks to the foresight of our early leaders, the town today rests under a leafy canopy that is unique in Marin County.

Ross celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2008. While the railroad and horses of 1908 are gone, the residential neighborhoods still suggest a changeless quality. Ross’ small-town feel and its open and tree-covered hills, winding creeks, graciously landscaped streets and gardens, and low density development all contribute to its special charm.

Community Sites

City Data: http://www.city-data.com/city/Ross-California.html
Marin Art and Garden Center: www.magc.org
Ross Historical Society: www.moya-rhs.org
Town of Ross: http://www.townofross.org/

Community Phone Numbers

Building/Planning: 415-453-1453
Fire Department: 415- 453-1453, Option 2
Park and Recreation: 415-453-6020
Police Department: 415-453-1453, Option 2
Schools: 415- 457-2705
Town Hall: 415-453-1453

More Utilities Information

Schools

Ross School (Grades K -8): 415- 457-2705
Branson (Private High School): 415- 454-3612
Marin Public Schools: http://www.marinschools.org/
Marin Private Elementary Schools: http://marincountyprivateschools.com/Elementaryschools.html
Marin Private High Schools: http://marincountyprivateschools.com/template.html

School Scores