The Bodega area is one of the most historical spots in Sonoma County.  West of town the Russians established a farm called Khelebnikov some time between their arrival in Bodega Bay in 1890 and their departure in 1841. 

Captian Stephen Smith arrived here in 1843.  He brought with him from Balitomre, machinery to build a steam saw mill, the first in California. He also brought the necessary men to build and operate it.  The Mexican government gave a grant of land (35,787.53 acres), called Bodega Rancho.  It extended from the Estero Americano to the Russian River.  He established his home and headquarters on the abandoned Russian farm.  Capt. Smith lived in one of he old Russian buildings until 1851,when he had hislarge adobe home built.  Capt. Smith also started a grain mill, a tannery, a store, a school, and a post office on his rancho.

Since there was a lot of activity on the rancho,someone got the idea to start a town nearby at the crossroads and named it Bodega Corners.  It was established on a land owned by Jasper O' Farrell, the city planner of San Francisco, called the Estero Americano Grant.  The first building was a saloon built by George Robinson in 1853.  Then came a blacksmith shop built by Mr. Hughes Bowman.  Hughs also erected the first Hotel.  DonaldMcDonald moved his store business from the "Port" (Bodega Bay) to the "Corners."  The town of Bodega was surveyed and mapped in 1863.  Seventy-three lots plus the catholic Churs lot were laid out.  

Up to that time, the O'Farrells leased the land to various people.  Probably some just squatted on the land.  As time went on new business came to the town of Bodega.  There were several hotels, many saloons, a tin shop, a tannery, a livery stable, meat market, three stores, post office, two physicians  (Dr. Hackett and Dr. Piggott) a grammer school, cathloic Church, Presbyterian Church, wagon maker, coffin maker, and a Justice of the Peace, and several brothels..  TheCalvary Cemetery was located along the road leading out of town. The oldest grave is dated 1860.

The famous Bodega Red Potato, was the leading crop until the price fell; then dairy cows were introduced.  Orginally, lumbering was the main industry, followed by the creamery business.  The Bodega Cooperative creamery was built in 1895.  The building still stands on Salmon Creek Road.  At one time the best butter in the state was made in this building.  In 1947 another sawmill was built by the Chenoweths close to Smith's old mill.

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