The northern portion of the hill lies within the land grant awarded to Timoteo Murphy, Las Gallinas Punta de San Pedro y Santa Margarita. The fence running down the slope divides it from the land grant Punta de Quintin, Corte de Madera, la Laguna y Canada.

The Ancha Vista Hotel is in the left center partially hidden by trees. In 1915 the California State Mining Bureau listed a mineral spring on the slope of Red Hill, in sandstone at an elevation of 150'. The spring had been known for over 30 years but utilized medically only a few years prior to the state report. Analysis by the University of California showed 21 grains per gallon, principally magnesia and lithia. The Ancha Vista Hotel and cottages were located on adjoining property. The hotel burned in the late 1920's.

The house beyond the hotel stands today on Essex Street. In the foreground is the railroad track between San Rafael and San Anselmo with a row of trees separating it from the San Rafael-Olema Road (Red Hill Avenue).