Welcome to the Emeryville Shellmound Memorial, a site that stands as a testament to the rich history of the Native American Ohlone people. Located in what is now Emeryville, California, this site was once home to one of the largest shellmounds in the San Francisco Bay Area. These shellmounds, sacred burial sites for the Ohlone, were constructed over centuries, starting around 800 B.C., using layers of shells, animal remains, and human burials. The Emeryville Shellmound was particularly significant, originally towering over 60 feet high and providing a panoramic view of the Bay.
The shellmound was not merely a burial ground; it was a vibrant center of life. Archaeologists have discovered remnants of daily activities such as cooking and tool-making, indicating a bustling community. The mound also served as the spiritual resting place for many generations of Ohlone ancestors. Unfortunately, by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, urban development began to encroach upon these sacred sites. The mound was partially excavated and eventually removed in 1924 to make way for industrial development.
In the 1990s, as the area was repurposed into the Bay Street Mall, Native American groups and allies advocated for the preservation of the shellmound. Despite their efforts, the city chose to proceed with development, leading to the establishment of the Emeryville Shellmound Memorial instead. Today, this memorial serves as a reminder of the Ohlone’s enduring presence and cultural heritage, even as modern commerce thrives nearby.
This site is part of a broader narrative of the Ohlone people, whose ancestral lands spanned much of the East Bay. Despite the challenges of urbanization, their history and contributions continue to resonate. If you visit here, you may also learn about other shellmound sites in the region, like those in Berkeley, which have faced similar threats from development. The Emeryville Shellmound Memorial is a place of remembrance and reflection, urging us to recognize and respect the land’s original stewards.
