Where San Anselmo is
San Anselmo sits between San Rafael on the east and Fairfax on the west, with Mount Tamalpais filling the view to the south. Much of the southern and western part of town is built on a natural floodplain along San Anselmo Creek.
The town grew up around the railroad. In 1874 the North Pacific Coast Railroad built a spur from its new San Anselmo station to San Rafael, and for a few years maps called the place Junction. The name San Anselmo came back into use in 1883, and the town incorporated on April 9, 1907. The railway closed in 1941.
Downtown and the Hub
Downtown is known for antique shops, boutiques and restaurants, most of them along the banks of San Anselmo Creek. Red Hill Avenue, also called the Miracle Mile, comes in from San Rafael and meets Sir Francis Drake Boulevard at a junction everyone calls the Hub. The raised roadbed of the Miracle Mile and Center Boulevard follows the old railroad line.
San Francisco Theological Seminary, now part of the University of Redlands, has its campus in town.
Police
San Anselmo's police department merged with those of Larkspur and Corte Madera in 2013. The combined agency is the Central Marin Police Authority.
Schools
Archie Williams High School, formerly Sir Francis Drake High School, is in San Anselmo and belongs to the Tamalpais Union High School District.
Town government and services
Town Hall is at 525 San Anselmo Avenue, and the main number is (415) 258-4600. The Town of San Anselmo website has a staff directory along with pages for planning, building, public works, the library and recreation. For emergencies call 911. Contacts for every town are on the Marin County government and services page.
Local businesses in San Anselmo
The Marin County business directory sorts local businesses by trade. San Anselmo listings will appear there as each category is researched and checked.