What is July 18, 2026?

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Do you know the value of this date, without a Google Search?

Surveyors are supposed to "Follow the Footsteps of the Original Surveyor", but how many of you actually know the history and value the history of land surveying and the infrastructure of California?

Maybe a quick search of the Mount Diablo Surveyors Historical Society (MDSHS.org) will help? Are you a history buff, and not a current member of the MDSHS, why not? We have a new website online with additional information coming soon, so save the link! Members recently made the trek up the summit and initial point for some fresh new photos coming soon from ground and air (drone)!

July 18, 2026 the Mt. Diablo Surveyor’s Historical Society (MDSHS) in conjunction with the CA State Parks is hosting the 175th Anniversary of the setting of the Mt. Diablo Initial Point by Col. Leander Ransom, and we invite you to come join us for a day of celebration! There will be a display at the Upper Parking Lot, at the Summit Visitor Center and initial point.

Come learn about the 3.5’+/- difference between the two documented initial points, established by Ransom (General Land Office) in 1851, then followed up in 1852 by R.D. Cutts (Coast Survey). John Pettley who discovered this during his senior project while attending CSU Fresno will be on hand to answer any questions.

So mark your calendar now, and SAVE the Date: July 18, 2026!!! Come join us, MDSHS from 10AM – 4PM at the Mt. Diablo Initial Point and celebrate 175 years of its establishment for mapping most of California and all of Nevada Public Lands.

https://mdshs.org/