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Blackhawk

The town of Blackhawk, CA, has a unique situation in its location and population. As Blackhawk is not an incorporated town, the United States Census Bureau has parceled it with the adjoining Tassajara to create a single census area. The residents of Blackhawk know that their town is an exceptional and wonderful place to live in Contra Costa County. It is a quiet place to call home yet is close to the hustle and bustle of the larger Bay Area cities of San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Jose, and Silicon Valley.

History of Blackhawk

Blackhawk, CA, began life not as a town but as Blackhawk Ranch in 1917. This ranch was first established by Ansel Mills Easton and his son-in-law, William Q. Ward. Blackhawk Ranch was located in the eastern areas near San Ramon Valley and Sycamore Valley. The family named the ranch after a beloved racehorse it had once owned. The land passed through several different owners, and even businesses such as the Hawaii-based Castle $amp; Cooke pineapple and sugar company. Ken Behring, a land developer, bought the land in the 1970s to build a housing development.

The development of the land was a true point of contention for the people who lived in the area. The residents, along with various environmental groups, were concerned about the negative environmental impact that a housing development would bring. Behring retaliated by suing the environmental groups for libel. He successfully blocked any further protest when he scaled down the number of homes in the development and offered 2000 acres of open space to Mount Diablo State Park. At that point, Blackhawk, CA, was forever transformed into five residential sections.

Communities of Blackhawk, CA

The area of Blackhawk is separated into five different gated communities that exist from the original planning and development by Ken Behring in 1975. These communities, located all along Blackhawk Road, include:

Silver Maple - A section of medium sized homes that are situated around one of the Blackhawk Country Club’s main holes.
Oakridge - These medium sized homes are about 2000 to 3000 square feet, and have a private court of larger estates.
Hidden Oak - This was the first community to be completed in Blackhawk. Most homes in Hidden Oak are half an acre in size.
Saddleback - Saddleback was the second community completed in Blackhawk, and has the largest homes in the Blackhawk area.
Silver Oak - Unlike the rest of Blackhawk, Silver Oak is an upscale condo complex.

Mount Diablo State Park

One of the great parts about Blackhawk is that it is very close to Mount Diablo State Park. This California state park has the tall, majestic Mount Diablo as a main centerpiece to the many trails, watersheds, and other protected lands. The Mount Diablo State Park is perfect for anyone who loves to go outside and enjoy the beautiful California weather. There are many different activities available, from hand gliding to hiking, biking, and mountain biking. This park boasts 520 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, and has several different beautiful views that any visitor can enjoy.

Blackhawk Country Club

One of the main parts of the town of Blackhawk, CA, is the Blackhawk Country Club. Located centrally to the Blackhawk community, this country club is an excellent way to spend the day, and a great reason to visit Blackhawk. It is highly exclusive, and is located at the base of Mount Diablo, lending this country club a view that is like no other. The facilities include twenty different tennis courts, the Lakeside Golf Course, a competition-sized swimming pool, a spa, basketball courts, sports fields, an amphitheater, outdoor volleyball courts, and a children’s play area among other amenities.

Blackhawk Museum

Another area to visit in Blackhawk is the Blackhawk Museum. This museum is located within the Blackhawk Plaza shopping center, and is home to a unique collection of about ninety classic cars. The museum also gets traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian, and houses a display that showcases the international work of the Wheelchair Foundation. Anyone who loves classic cars, or simply wants to see something different every once and a while should check out the Blackhawk Museum.

The rich history, location, and panoramic countryside make Blackhawk a desirable area to visit or live in California.