Novato was first established in 1839 when the Mexican government Empresariogranted Rancho de Novato, consisting of some 8,876 acres (36 km sq), to Fernando Feliz, who acted as an empresario in settling the land. Subsequently four additional land grants were made in the area; Rancho San Jose to Ignacio Pacheco in 1840, Corte Madera de Novato to John Martin, a Scotsman, in 1840, Rancho Olompali awarded in 1843 to Coast MiwokCamilo Ynita, son of a Coast Miwok chief, and Rancho Nicasio, by far the largest at 56,621 acres (229 km sq), awarded to Don Pablo de la Guerra and John Cooper in 1844. Novato, along with the rest of California, Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgobecame part of the United States on February 2, 1848. Early pioneers included Joseph Sweetser and Francis De Long who bought 15,000 acres (61 km sq) in the mid-1850's and planted orchards and vineyards. The first school was built in 1859 at the corner of Grant Avenue at what is today Redwood Boulevard. The original town was located around Novato Creek at what is now South Novato Boulevard. A railroad was built in 1879, connecting Novato to Sonoma County and San Rafael, CaliforniaSan Rafael. The area around the train depot became known as New Town, and forms the edge of what today is Old Town Novato. The current depot was built in 1917, but closed in 1959 and is largely derelict. A Presbyterian church, still a landmark in Novato today, was built in 1896. The Great Depression in the United StatesGreat Depression of the 1930s had a marked effect on the area as many farmers lost their land. After World War II, Novato grew quickly with the construction of tract homes and a freeway. As the area was unincorporated much of the growth was unplanned and uncontrolled. Novato was finally incorporated as a city in 1960. Novato is a sister city of Shepparton, Victoria (Australia)Victoria, Australia. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novato%2C_California