Welcome to the Cotati Downtown Plaza, a unique landmark nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, California. As you stand here, you’re in the midst of one of only two hexagonal town layouts in the United States, the other being Detroit, Michigan. This rare design choice was made in the 1890s by Newton Smyth as a departure from the conventional grid layout, under the direction of Dr. Thomas Stokes Page. Each street surrounding this plaza bears the name of one of Dr. Page’s sons, weaving a familial legacy into the streets of Cotati.
The history of Cotati is deeply rooted in the land’s earliest inhabitants, the Coast Miwok people, who settled in this area as early as 2000 BC. The village of Kotati, from which the town derives its name, was one of several Miwok settlements that thrived here. Fast forward to 1844, and we find this land granted as Rancho Cotate to Captain Juan Castaneda by the Mexican government, as a reward for his military service.
Interestingly, the rancho came under the ownership of Dr. Thomas Stokes Page in 1849, who acquired it for a mere $1,600. It was under his family’s stewardship that the hexagonal plaza was devised, marking a shift in the town’s evolution from a rural ranching community to a structured town.
In 1975, the Cotati Downtown Plaza was recognized as California Historical Landmark No. 879, a testament to its unique design and historical significance. The plaza not only serves as a focal point for the community but also stands as a reminder of the area’s rich cultural heritage, from its Native American roots to its development through the 19th and 20th centuries. As you explore, imagine the bustling activity of past generations and the stories this land could tell.
