Shannon-Williamson Ranch, human settlement in Contra Costa County, California, United States of America
The Shannon-Williamson Ranch is a farm property in Antioch, Contra Costa County, containing original buildings from the late 1800s. The main house was built around 1896 in Italianate style with decorative details, while barns and outbuildings stand nearby, preserving the typical layout of a farm from that era.
The ranch was founded by Thomas Shannon and became a major wheat operation in the region, with grain remaining the principal crop for nearly fifty years until the 1890s. The property passed through four generations of family ownership and remains the only unaltered farm from that era in eastern Contra Costa County.
The name Shannon-Williamson Ranch reflects the two families who shaped and worked the land across generations. The buildings reveal how people lived and worked together, with simple, functional spaces that mirror the daily rhythm of farm life.
The grounds are open and accessible, with wide fields and pathways inviting exploration. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and look for informational signs that help explain what you see.
The ranch is the only unaltered farm from that era in this part of California and has been maintained and operated by descendants of Thomas Shannon for four generations. This continuous family stewardship has preserved the original authenticity and character of the place, making it uncommon.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
