Running Fence
15000 Bodega Highway
Bodega
Built 1976

An interpretive marker in Watson School Historic Park commemorates Running Fence, an installation art work by the French artists, Christo and Jeanne-Claude.

The fence was completed on September 10, 1976, and removed fouteen days later, leaving no visible trace. It was 24.5 miles in length and eighteen feet in height. It contained 2,050 panels of white nylon fabric hung from steel cables by means of 350,000 hooks. The cables were supported by 2,050 steel poles stuck into the ground and braced by steel guy wires anchored to the earth.

The fence crossed fourteen roads and fifty-nine private ranches.

Adapted from Wikipedia.

The marker reads:

Running Fence
September 10, 1976

On September 11, 2001, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Sonoma selected this site to commemorate the contributions of Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Their vision, dedication and perseverance made the Running Fence possible. This art project consisted of: 42 months of collaborative efforts with ranch property owner participation, 18 public hearings, 3 sessions of Superior Court, an environmental impact report and the temporary use of the hills, sky, and ocean.

Rising from the Pacific Ocean south of Bodega Bay the 18 foot high 24.5 mile long Running Fence ran west to east following the rolling hills of Marin and Sonoma counties to the Cotati ridge.

Running Fence is also County Landmark 24.