Martinez became the County Seat for Contra Costa County in 1850 and was incorporated as a city in 1857. It sits on the Carquinez Strait and provided ferry service to Solano County. It was the home of naturalist John Muir and his home remains a historic site. Martinez’ first oil refinery was built in 1904. Others came; however, only the Shell and Golden Eagle Oil Refineries are in operation now. Martinez is a stop on the Amtrak line. Martinez is home to the Veterans Hospital and services. Old folklore say that the martini was created and named here.