Site information: 3260 The Alameda between Benton and Franklin Sts, Santa Clara 37.351885,-121.940685
Plaque information: State plaque
Plaque text: Santa Clara Women's Club Adobe This adobe, among the oldest in Santa Clara Valley, was one of several continuous rows of homes built in 1792-1800 as dwellings for the Indian families of Mission Santa Clara. It links the Franciscan padres' labors with California of today. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Santa Clara Women’s Club. January 20, 1961.
#0250 Old Sites of Mission Santa Clara de Asis and Old Spanish Bridge
Site information: The site of the second location of the mission is at NE corner of Martin Ave and De la Cruz Blvd, Santa Clara 37.366782,-121.941147 The first location, based on the inscription on the cross, was likely somewhere at the very north end of the San Jose Airport near De La Cruz Blvd. It is hard to pinpoint, even though the distances are given so precisely. Part of the reason is I am not sure what bridge 37-64 is. In any case, nothing remains at either site that I know of, nor does the Old Spanish Bridge, which I assume crossed the Guadalupe River somewhere north of the Airport.
Plaque information: No plaque. There was a cross at the site memorializing the old mission, but it has been removed for political reasons.
Cross text: Second site 1779-1784 Mission Santa Clara de Asis Original site January 12, 1777 founded by the Franciscan fathers, 967 yards north, 334 yards south of Bayshore Highway Bridge No. 37-64
OHP description: The first mission in this valley, Mission Santa Clara de Thamien, was established at this site by Franciscan Padres Tomás de la Peña and Joseph Antonio Marguia January 17, 1777. Here, at the Indian village of So-co-is-u-ka, they erected a cross and shelter for worship to bring Christianity to the Costanoan Indians.
#0259 Vasquez Tree and Site of 21-Mile House
Site information: SW corner of Tennant Ave and Monterey Rd, Morgan Hill Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 37.112735,-121.642966
Plaque text: Site of 21-Mile House This famous tavern and stage stop was located 21 miles from San Jose on the road to Monterey. The 21-Mile House was built in 1852 by William Host beneath a spreading oak that later was called the Vasquez Tree. The house was sold to William Tennant in November 1852. Now destroyed, this stopping station was a place where horses could be changed, fed, and stabled, and where tired and hungry passengers could refresh themselves. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the California Pioneers of Santa Clara County and Mountain Charlie Chapter No. 1850, E Clampus Vitus. June 12, 1982
#0260 Santa Clara Campaign Treaty Site
Site information: Civic Center Park, NE corner of El Camino Real and Lincoln St, Santa Clara Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 37.352598, -121.953966
Plaque information: There are two state plaques for this site, one across the street from the other. It appears the older plaque was lost and then found again, and rededicated. 37.352136, -121.954141
Park plaque text: Santa Clara Campaign Treaty Site After armed confrontation nearby on January 2, 1847, and a truce meeting the following day, Marine Capt. Ward Marston, commander of the United States expeditionary force, and Francisco Sánchez, leader of the Mexican-Californian ranchers, agreed to a treaty here on January 7. United States forces were to recognize rights of Californians and to end seizures of their personal properties. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the City of Santa Clara, and Descendants of Californio Participants, September 20, 1980. Second plaque text: Armistice Oak Tree Site Here, on January 8, 1847, Francisco Sanchez, leader of a California band surrendered himself and some American prisoners and arms to Lieut. Grayson thus ending the “Battle of Santa Clara” or the “Battle of the Mustard Stalks” of January 2, 1847. This armistice ended the last uprising against the tide of American conquest in the Santa Clara Valley. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the City of Santa Clara Historical and Landmarks Commission. January 8, 1962. Plaque addendum text: Originally placed on the corner of Lawrence Expressway & El Camino Real in 1962. The California Landmark No. 260 plaque marking the “Armistice Oak Tree Site” was removed during the widening of the El Camino and rededicated in a new location in 1969 as part of the City of Santa Clara’s 117th birthday. Sometime later it was again removed and disappeared. Rescued from a salvage shop in 1999. The plaque has been rededicated at this site in commemoration of the State of California’s Sesquicentennial September 9, 2000 and the City of Santa Clara’s 150th, July 5, 2002. Plaque placed by the City of Santa Clara City Council and the Sesquicentennial Steering Committee. Private plaque text: The Battle of Santa Clara January 2-7, 1847 The Battle of Santa Clara was the only campaign fought in the Northern district of California between Californios and United States forces during the Mexican-American war. In the 1840’s an oak forest grew near the present Lawrence Expressway, but brackish water and marshy soil limited tree growth in the region to the east providing an unobstructed view of Mission Santa Clara three miles ahead. The battle took place in this open plain. As you face towards City Hall, the battle area ranged from your left, towards Lawrence Expressway, to your right, towards the De La Cruz overpass. The American Expeditionary force emerged from the trees, on a road that reached the present El Camino Real at Pomeroy Avenue. At that point they first sighted the deployed rancheros on horseback on the open plain. When the Americans’ cannon mired in the mud, halting their march, the rancheros came closer. This site was near where today El Camino crosses Saratoga Creek. An exchange of gunfire occurred with no one hurt. The rancheros returned to their camp, within sight of the people watching from the mission rooftops. After extracting their cannon from the mud the Americans continued to the mission. The skirmishing lasted approximately two hours, but it took five days of negotiations before the official treaty ceremony ended the Battle of Santa Clara. Placed by the order of the Santa Clara Historical Landmarks Commission September 9, 2000
Site information: In front of Mission Church, University of Santa Clara, The Alameda and Lexington St, Santa Clara 37.349533,-121.941276
Plaque text: Mission Santa Clara Santa Clara, the first california mission to honor a woman, Clare of Assisi, as its patron saint, was founded nearby on the Guadalupe River on January 12, 1777. It once had the largest Indian population of any California mission. Floods and earthquake led to successive relocations. Its fifth church was dedicated on this site in 1825. In 1851 Santa Clara College was established in the old mission buildings. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with William L. Gates, class of '64 and E Clampus Vitus, Mountain Charlie Chapter No 1850. January 12, 1980.
Site information: Mine located 12 miles from this plaque, commemorated by #339-1. This site really should just be a second plaque for the 339-1 site, but it is registered separately for some reason. 37.174015,-121.824781
Plaque information: State plaque located on E side of Monterey Rd, between Grandwell Way and Flintwell Way, San Jose 37.248476,-121.790102
Plaque text: New Almaden Quicksilver Mine From this cinnabar hill the Indians used pigment for paint. Mercury was mined, 1845. Gold discovery made mercury indispensable and the mine became the most productive in America, became world famous. It sold for $1,700,700 in 1864. California Department of Public Works - Division of Highways.
OHP description: The Indians used pigment from this cinnabar hill for paint. Mercury was mined as early as 1845. The gold discovery made mercury indispensable, and the mine, the most productive in America, became world famous. It sold for $1,700,700 in 1864.
Plaque text: Site of First Mining in California Here, along Arroyo de los Alamitos Creek in 1824, Luís Cabolla and Antonio Suñol first worked New Almaden ore in an arrastra. In constant production since 1845, more than a million flasks of quicksilver valued at over 50 million dollars have been produced. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the California Pioneers of Santa Clara County and Mountain Charlie Chapter No. 1850, E Clampus Vitus, October 13, 1979.
Plaque information: Private plaque located at original site. No plaque at the relocated home.
Plaque text: Site of Edwin Markham Home Where the poet lived 1869-1889. It now stands at the rear. Preserved by Poet Laureate Bland, Markham Landmark Assoc., and Associated Students of San Jose State College. Placed by the Edwin Markham Poetry Society 1937
OHP description: Markham was born at Oregon City April 23, 1852 and later moved to a cattle ranch near Suisun. Later he and his mother moved to San Jose, and Markham entered the State Normal School, from which he graduated in 1872. Markham lived and taught school in many places but made this home his main residence, and it was here that he wrote The Man with the Hoe.
#0417 First Normal School in California (San Jose State College)
Site information: San Jose State University, located on Tower Hall in Washington Square, San Jose 37.335191,-121.883474
Plaque text: Founded as “Minns’ Evening Normal School” in 1857, the school became the State Normal School by act of the state legislature on May 2, 1862. In 1870 the state legislature chose Washington Square as a permanent location. Destroyed by fire on February 11, 1880, and heavily damaged by the April 18, 1906 earthquake, the school was rebuilt after each disaster to remain California’s first public institution of higher learning. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Sourisseau Academy, San Jose State University Alumni, and Mountain Charlie Chapter No. 1850, E Clampus Vitus. April 24, 1982.
#0433 First Site of El Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe
Site information: Front parking lot planter, City Hall, 151 W Mission St, San Jose Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 37.350591,-121.903212
Plaque text: First Site of El Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe Within a year after the opening of the first overland route from Mexico to Alta California, Governor Filipe de Neve authorized the establishment of the first civil settlement in the state on lands including and surrounding the present Civic Center. Lieutenant Jose Joaquin Moraga, with 14 settlers and their families arrived in the Santa Clara Valley to found El Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe on November 29, 1777. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the San Jose Historic Landmarks Commission, November 29, 1977.
#0434 Site of "City Gardens" - Nursery of Louis Pellier
Site information: 100 block of W St James St, San Jose Nothing remains of the original site, Pellier Park was opened in 2023 at the site. 37.337598,-121.896206
Plaque information: State Plaque
Plaque text: Pellier, native of France, and founder of California's prune industry, came to California in 1849. In October 1850 he established a nursery called "City Gardens" on this site. Here, aided by his brothers Pierre and Jean, he introduced the French prune "la petite d'Agen" during the winter of 1856-57. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the San Jose Historic Landmarks Commission, November 29, 1977.
Site information: Located in park, SE corner of junction of Hwys 9 and 85, Saratoga 37.258832,-122.031961
Plaque text: Saratoga (Formerly Toll Gate, McCartysville, Bank Mills) Anza exploring party passed through the Saratoga area March 25, 1776. Lumbering in the mountains, which began 1847 and continued many years, brought the first settlers 1850. Among other industries established were lime quarry 1850s, grist mill 1854, tannery 1863, paper mill 1868, and pasteboard mill 1870. Pacific Congress Springs, popular resort, 1866–1942. Pioneered in fruit industry. Blossom Festivals began in 1900. Tablet placed by California Centennials Commission, Arch erected by Saratoga citizens. Dedicated March 25, 1950
Site information: 1481 Saratoga Ave, San Jose Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 37.295675,-121.987806
Plaque text: Gubserville Named after Frank Gubser, a German immigrant and barber, Gubserville was an important stage, mail and teamster stop on the road between San Jose and Saratoga. Gubser served as the village's first and only postmaster, beginning July 5, 1882. Gubserville ceased to exist officially when the post office was discontinued on April 15, 1897. Originally registered November 2, 1949. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Alan R. & David R. Pinn & Mountain Charlie Chapter No. 1850, E. Clampus Vitus. April 19, 1986
Site information: Intersection of Old Santa Cruz Hwy (P.M. 3.57) and Mountain Charlie Rd, 1.2 mi SE of Holy City Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 37.148162,-121.974423
Plaque text: Patchen “Mountain Charley” McKiernan, one of the earliest residents of the Santa Crux Mountains, settled near here in 1850. John Martin Schultheis and his wife homesteaded land about a mile from here in 1852. Their home still standing (1950). The Patchen Post Office, named for a famous race horse, was located in this vicinity, 1872-1920’s. Tablet placed by California Centennial Commission. Base furnished by Los Gatos Lions Club. May 20, 1950. Restored by Los Gatos Chapter DAR 1968
Plaque text: Forbes Flour Mill This is all that remains of the four-story stone flour mill built in 1854 by James Alexander Forbes. The town that grew around this building was first called Forbes Mill, then Forbestown, and finally Los Gatos. Tablet placed by California Centennials Commission in cooperation with Los Gatos Lions Club. Dedicated June 10, 1950
#0461 Site of California's First State Capitol
Site information: City Park Plaza, 100 block, S Market St, San Jose Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 37.332816,-121.889815
Plaque information: Private plaque
Plaque text: Directly opposite this tablet was located the first State Capitol Building, in which California's first Legislature assembled in December 1849. San Jose was the seat of government from 1849 to 1851. Tablet placed by Historic Landmarks Committee, Native Sons of the Golden West. 1923
Site information: 4335 Payne Ave at Saratoga, San Jose There is still a Moreland School District, but nothing historical remains at this site. 37.301004,-121.979895
Plaque text: Oldest known rural school district in California. Established 1851 as subscription school, meeting in private homes. First teacher, Charles Lafollette, 1851, term three months. Abraham H. Featherman, 1852, term six months. Through efforts of Samuel Curtis Rogers, third teacher, 1852-1854, first public school building, formerly home of Zechariah Moreland, obtained 1852. In 1853 Rogers secured organization of school as Santa Clara Township School District No. 2. Renamed in Moreland's honor, 1862. California State Park Commission. Monument base erected by Moreland School District. Dedicated November 6, 1953
Site information: Some of the old winery and replanted vineyards at Almaden Winery Park, located on Chambertin Dr. 37.237513, -121.893143
Plaque information: State plaque at SE corner of Blossom Hill Rd and Chambertin Dr 37.239138,-121.895498
Plaque text: Almaden Vineyards On this site in 1852 Charles LeFranc made the first commercial planting of fine European wine grapes in Santa Clara County and founded Almadén Vineyards. LeFranc imported cuttings from vines in the celebrated wine districts of his native France, shipping them around the Horn by sail. California State Park Commission.
#0524 Site of Juana Briones de Miranda Home on Rancho La Purisima Concepcion
Site information: 4157 Old Adobe Rd, Palo Alto Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 37.392237,-122.139542
Plaque text: Site of Juana Briones de Miranda Home on Rancho La Purisima Concepcion In 1844 Juana de Briones de Miranda, a pioneer Latina property owner, businesswoman and humanitarian, purchased the 4,439 acre Rancho La Purisima Concepcion from Indian grantee Jose Gorgornio. The grant extended two miles south, encompassing Foothill College and most of Los Altos Hills. The site of the home that was constructed of earth inside a wooden crib is located up this street at 4155 Old Adobe Road. In addition to raising her seven children, Juana managed a large cattle ranch and was a noted curandera. Plaque placed by California State Parks in cooperation with the Juana Briones Heritage Foundation and the City of Palo Alto, March 12, 2007.
OHP description: In 1843 Apolinario Miranda, husband of Juana Briones de Miranda, was sent before the subprefect for not living harmoniously with his wife and, shortly thereafter, Juana and her seven children arrived at Rancho la Purísima Concepción. In 1856 this property was duly confirmed to her, and she lived in this adobe until, crippled by rheumatism, she was forced to move.
#0644 Martin Murphy Home and Estate (Site)
Site information: Martin Murphy, Jr. Historical Park, corner of N Sunnyvale and California Aves, Sunnyvale Nothing remains of this site, as the house burned down in 1961. 37.382117,-122.026158
Plaque text: Home of Martin Murphy, Jr. Martin Murphy, Jr. arrived in California with his family in 1844 in the first wagon train to cross the Sierra Nevada. The founder of Sunnyvale, he constructed here his house of pre-fabricated lumber brought around the Horn in 1849. Members of the Murphy family lived here continuously until 1953, when the property was acquired by the City of Sunnyvale. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the City of Sunnyvale and the Sunnyvale Historical Society, May 22, 1960.
#0733 Paul Masson Mountain Winery
Site information: From State Hwy 9, go 0.3 mi on Pierce Rd and turn left on Paul Masson Mtn Winery Rd, continue for 1.2 mi to winery, Saratoga Plaque and site are located on the grounds of the privately owned winery. Access only during operating hours. 37.260396,-122.064931
Plaque text: Paul Masson Mountain Winery From the winery that bears the name of Paul Masson, premium wines and champagne have flowed continuously since 1852, even during Prohibition under a special government license. Twice partially destroyed by earthquake and fire, the original sandstone walls still stand. The 12th-century Spanish Romanesque portal came around the Horn. Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the San Francisco Landmarks Council and the Sainte Clare Club, San Jose. June 29, 1960
#0800 Arroyo de San Joseph Cupertino
Site information: Monta Vista High School W parking lot, 21840 McClellan Rd, Cupertino Plaque refers to "this arroyo" but I am not sure what it is referring to. Nothing seems to remain of this feature. 37.315452,-122.057647
Plaque text: Arroyo de San Joseph Cupertino This arroyo honoring San Joseph, patron saint of flight and students, was first discovered and traversed by Spanish explorers in 1769. On March 25-26, 1776 Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza made it his encampment No. 99 as mapped by his cartographer Padre Pedro, before continuing on to the San Francisco Bay Area where he initiated steps to found a colony, a mission and a presidio. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Cupertino Historical Society Inc. May 29, 1968.
Plaque information: State plaque located at the corner of Yerba Buena and San Felipe Roads. 37.299348,-121.770795
Plaque text: Montgomery Hill Three-quarters of a mile northeast is Montgomery Hill, site of the 55 successful flights of the “aeroplane” of John Joseph Montgomery which demonstrated aerodynamic developments still indispensable to modern aircraft. Here the basic principles of aerodynamics discovered by Montgomery were combined by his engineering skill and technology to produce a heavier-than-air flying machine which had complete control: the cambered wing, rear stabilizer, flexible wingtips, and the wing-warping aileron. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the County of Santa Clara and the University of Santa Clara, October 31, 1967.
#0834 Eadweard Muybridge and the Development of Motion Pictures
Site information: Stanford University, Campus Dr W across from Stanford Driving Range, Palo Alto Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 37.424627,-122.182377
Plaque text: Development of Motion Pictures In commemoration of the motion picture research conducted in 1878 and 1879 by Eadweard Muybridge, at the Palo Alto Stock Farm, now the site of Stanford University. This extensive photographic experiment portraying the attitudes of animals in motion was conceived by and executed under the direction and patronage of Leland Stanford. Consecutive instantaneous exposures were provided for by a battery of 24 cameras fitted with electro-shutters. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Stanford Historical Society, Stanford ECV Alumnii, Mountain Charlie Chapter 1850, E Clampus Vitus. April 30, 1983.
#0836 Pioneer Electronics Research Laboratory
Site information: E corner of Channing Ave and Emerson St, Palo Alto Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 37.441534,-122.157674
Plaque text: Electronics Research Laboratory Original site of the laboratory and factory of Federal Telegraph Company, founded in 1909 by Cyril F. Elwell. Here, with two assistants, Dr. Lee de Forest, inventor of the three-element radio vacuum tube, devised in 1911-13 the first vacuum tube amplifier and oscillator. World-wide developments based on this research led to modern radio communication, television, and the electronics age. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the City of Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Historical Association. May 2, 1978
Plaque text: United States Post Office Constructed in 1892 this was the first federal building in San José. It served as U.S. post office from 1892 to 1933. Designed by Willoughby Edbrooke and constructed of locally quarried sandstone, this Romanesque style structure, built by the United States government, is the last of its kind on the west coast. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Fine Arts Gallery Association, San Jose Historic Landmarks Commission and the San Jose Historical Museum. October 22, 1972
Plaque text: John Adams Squire House Designed by T. Paterson Ross and constructed by builder George W. Mosher in 1904, this house is a notable example of California's interpretation of the Greco-Roman Classic Revival movement in America. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Palo Alto Historical Asscoiation and the City of Palo Alto, January 27, 1973.
Plaque text: Luis Maria Peralta Adobe The last vestige of El Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe, the simple adobe, rehabilitated in the mid-19th century, is believed built before 1800 by Manuel Gonzalez, an Apache, who was one of the pobladores (founders). Later owned and occupied by Sgt. Peralta, Pueblo Comisionado from 1807 to 1822. Both men came to California with the Anza Expedition in 1775-76. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Peralta Adobe Restoration Committee and San Jose Historical Landmarks Commission. August 25, 1976
Site information: 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose Plaque and site can be viewed from outside. Tours available of the home. 37.318565,-121.950815
Plaque information: State and private plaque
State plaque text: Winchester House Built by Sarah Winchester, widow of rifle manufacturer William Winchester, this unique structure includes many outstanding elements of Victorian architecture and fine craftsmanship. Construction began in 1884 and continued without interruption until Mrs. Winchester’s death in 1922. The continual building and remodeling created a 160-room house covering an area of six acres. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Winchester Mystery House Inc. May 13, 1974. Private plaque text: Winchester Mystery House The Winchester Mystery House was the home of Sarah Winchester, heiress to Winchester Rifle fortune, from 1884 until her death in 1922. Mrs. Winchester was convinced by an occultist that the lives of her husband and daughter had been taken by the spirits of those killed by “The Gun that Won the West” and that she too would share their fate unless she would begin building a mansion for the spirits on which work would never stop nor be completed. She was promised life for as long as she kept building. So, with $1,000 a day royalties from the Winchester Rifle fortune, the sounds of the carpenters’ tools could be heard 24 hours a day for almost 38 years as the diminutive lady built to live. And here is what was created. Dedicated Friday the 13th, May 1983, by Winchester Mystery House and Mountain Charlie Chapter No. 1850, E Clampus Vitus "Right Wrongs Nobody"
Plaque information: State and private plaques
State plaque text: Hayes Mansion Jay Orley and Everis A. Hayes built this Mission Revival Style mansion, designed by George W. Page in 1904. The Hayes Brothers were early San Jose Mercury publishers, prominent valley politicians, and were actively involved in establishing the Santa Clara Valley fruit industry. The mansion consists of 62 rooms, 11 fireplaces, and was paneled in over a dozen different woods. Originally registered December 29, 1975. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Stella B. Gross Charitable Trust and Mountain Charlie Chapter No.1850, E Clampus Vitus, April 19, 1986. Private plaque text: The Hayes Mansion Mary Hayes Chynoweth, matriarch of the Hayes family, built this 65 room, 41,000 square foot Mediterranean Revival-Style mansion to replace an earlier Victorian one which had been destroyed by fire. While she did not live to occupy the mansion herself, her two sons and their families lived in the house for four decades. Everis Anson Hayes and Jay Orley Hayes were two of San Jose’s most influential and illustrious citizens. E.A. Hayes served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1904 to 1918. J.O. Hayes was founder and president of the California Prune and Apricot Growers Association, which later became known as Sunsweet Growers. Together the two brothers owned and published the San Jose Mercury and the San Jose Herald Newspapers. The Edenvale Estate was a center of social and political activity for the Santa Clara Valley and was visited by many distinguished public figures. The Hayes Mansion was designed by architect George Page and completed in 1905. Renovation and remodeling was completed in 1994 by the public/private partnership of the City of San Jose and the Renaissance Conference Company.
Site information: 27 Mitchell Ln, near NE corner of University Ave and El Camino Real, Palo Alto 37.442951,-122.165503
Plaque text: Hostess House This building originally served Camp Fremont as a meeting place for servicemen and visitors. When moved from its original site to Palo Alto, it became the first municipally sponsored community center in the nation. It is the only remaining structure from California’s World War I Army training camps. Designed by Julia Morgan in 1918 for the YMCA, it was dedicated one year later to those who died in this war. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the City of Palo Alto, November 11, 1976.
Plaque text: Roberto - Suñol Adobe This historic adobe was built in 1836 by a native Californian, Roberto Balermino, on Rancho de los Coches. The property was officially granted to him by Governor Micheltorna in 1844. A larger one-story dwelling was built in 1847 by the new owner, Antonio Suñol. The second-story frame structure and balcony were added in 1853 by Captain Stefano Splivalo. Plaque placed by the California State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Santa Clara County Historical Heritage Commission. February 11, 1977
#0902 First Unitarian Church of San Jose
Plaque text: First Unitarian Church This building, designed by George W. Page in 1891, became the permanent home of a congregation that first met in City Hall in 1866. A version of Richardsonian Romanesque style, the innovative structure withstood the earthquake of 1906 and became a shelter for the injured. In 1906, the church women organized San Jose’s first day nursery. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the members of the congregation, May 20, 1979.
OHP description: This church's architectural character is generally described as Richardsonian Romanesque, it is one of the few churches in America patterned after the traditional Unitarian churches of Transylvania. Designed by architect G. W. Page and erected in 1891-92, the building has served its congregation continuously since construction.
Site information: 15891 Ravine Rd, Los Gatos Home is on a private road and the site is a private residence. 37.236996,-122.011222
Plaque information: State plaque, not accessible but can be seen from the road, barely.
Plaque text: Kotani-En Kotani-En is a classical Japanese residence in the formal style of a 13th-century estate with tile roofed walls surrounding a tea house, shrine, gardens, and ponds. Constructed for Max M. Cohen in 1918-1924 of mahogany, cedar, bamboo, and ceramic tile by master artisan Takashima and eleven craftsmen from Japan, Kotani-En represents a harmonious union of art and nature in a two-acre rustic environment. Kotani-En is a prominent example of Japanese landscape architecture in America. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Mountain Charlie Chapter No. 1850, E Clampus Vitus. December 15, 1984.
#0904 Charles Copeland Morse Residence
Plaque text: Charles Copeland Morse Residence “The house that seeds built” was constructed in 1892 by Charles Copeland Morse, co-founder of one of the largest vegetable and flower seed companies in the world, the Ferry-Morse Seed Company. This outstanding Queen Anne residence is the most elaborate remaining Victorian structure in the City of Santa Clara. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the City of Santa Clara Historical Landmarks Commission and Chamber of Commerce, September 23, 1977.
#0910 St. Joseph's Catholic Church
Plaque information: No plaque
OHP description: Established in 1803, St. Joseph's was the first non-mission church in a Spanish California settlement. The present edifice, designed in Italian baroque style by noted architect Bryan C. Clinch, is the fourth to be built at the original site. Its cornerstone was laid March 19, 1876, and it was dedicated April 22,1877.
Plaque information: State plaque located 100 ft S of intersection of Cabrillo and Santa Ynez Aves, Stanford University 37.418275,-122.168327
Plaque text: Lou Henry Hoover House This 1919 residence of a developing international style of architecture embodies Mrs. Herbert Hoover’s innovative architectural concepts. It was executed by architects A. B. Clark, Charles Davis, and Birge Clark, and was maintained as the Hoover family home. It was here in 1928 that Hoover received news of his election as President of the United States. Upon Mrs. Hoover’s death, the house was given to Stanford University. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Stanford Historical Society and Stanford University May 18, 1978
#0945 First Successful Introduction of the Honeybee to California
Site information: On Airport Blvd, between Terminals A and B. Outside of what appears to be the main airport offices. Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 37.367231,-121.926726
Plaque text: First Honeybees in California Here, on the 1,939-acre Rancho Potrero de Santa Clara, Christopher A. Shelton in early March 1853 introduced the honeybee to California. In Aspinwall, Panama, Shelton purchased 12 beehives from a New Yorker and transported them by rail, “Bongo” pack mule, and steamship to San Francisco. Only enough bees survived to fill one hive, but these quickly propagated, laying the foundation for California’s modern beekeeping industry. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with E Clampus Vitus Mountain Charlie chapter 1850, and in honor of San Jose City Historian Clyde Arbuckle. March 6, 1982
#0952 Site of World's First Broadcasting Station
Site information: SW corner of First and San Fernando Sts, San Jose Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 37.334070,-121.889368
Plaque text: Site of World's First Broadcasting Station On this corner stood the Garden City Bank Building, where Charles D. Herrold established Station FN, the first radio broadcasting station in the world. As a pioneer in wireless telephony (radio), Herrold established the first station in 1909 to transmit radio programs of music and news to a listening audience on a regular basis. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the California Pioneers of Santa Clara County and Mountain Charlie Chapter No. 1850, E. Clampus Vitus, April 3, 1984
#0969 Home Site of Sarah Wallis
Site information: S side of La Selva Dr between Military Way and Magnolia Dr, Palo Alto Nothing remains of this site, as far as I know. 37.416064,-122.130754
Plaque text: Homesite of Sarah Wallis Mayfield Farm Sarah Armstrong Wallis (1825–1905) was a pioneer in the campaign for women’s voting rights. In 1870 she was elected president of California’s first statewide suffrage organization which in 1873 incorporated as the California State Woman Suffrage Education Association. The home she built on this site, Mayfield Farm, was a center of suffrage activities attracting state and national leaders such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Ulysses S. Grant. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Womens Heritage Museum of Palo Alto and the City of Palo Alto, October 11, 1986.
#0976 Birthplace of "Silicon Valley"
Plaque text: Birthplace of "Silicon Valley" This garage is the birthplace of the world’s first high-technology region, “Silicon Valley.” The idea for such a region originated with Dr. Frederick Terman, a Stanford university professor who encouraged his students to start up their own electronics companies in the area instead of joining established firms in the East. The first two students to follow his advice were William R. Hewlett and David Packard, who in 1938 began developing their first product, an audio oscillator, in this garage. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Hewlett-Packard Company, May 19, 1989.
#1000 Site of Invention of the First Commercially Practicable Integrated Circuit
Plaque text: First Commercially Practicable Integrated Circuit At this site in 1959, Dr. Robert Noyce of Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation invented the first integrated circuit that could be produced commercially. Based on “planar” technology, an earlier Fairchild breakthrough, Noyce’s invention consisted of a complete electronic circuit inside a small silicon chip. His innovation helped revolutionize “Silicon Valley’s” semiconductor electronics industry, and brought profound change to the lives of people everywhere. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Intel Corporation, August 9, 1991.
#1017 Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs Resort
Site information: 9.5 mi NE of junction of New Ave and Roop Rd on Hot Springs Rd, Gilroy (About 3 miles past Hunting Hollow parking area in Henry Coe State Park.) The site and plaque are on CA State Park land, gated and closed. There may be periodic tours of the site. The site is in pretty bad disrepair. 37.108886,-121.478944
Plaque text: Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs Resort Under the guidance of the George Roop and William McDonald families during the years of 1865 of Francisco Cantua's discovery to the 1930s, Gilroy Hot Springs was a popular health and family resort oriented around a single hot mineral spring located near Coyote Creek. In 1938 the resort was purchased by H.K. Sakata, a successful Japanese American farmer from Watsonville. Renamed the Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs, it was the only Japanese American owned commercial hot springs in California. The resort served as a recreational and spiritual center for Japanese Americans before World War II and briefly as a hostel after the war for those returning from internment camps. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Fukuyama International Inc., and Masaru Seido. October 22, 1995.<p.
#1049 Mission Guadalupe of San Jose
Plaque text: Guadalupe Mission of San Jose Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Mission Chapel was established in 1953 by a Spanish-speaking community of Catholic faithful led by Father Donald McDonnell, a member of the San Francisco Archdiocese's "Spanish Mission Band." Here, Father McDonnell befriended a young Cesar Chavez and introduced him to a universe of writings about spirituality, labor rights, human rights, and social justice. Father McDonnell also introduced Chavez to Fred Ross, and the chapel became an important home for their work with the community service organization. Later renamed McDonnell Hall, Guadalupe Mission Chapel provided a foundation for Chavez's work with Dolores Huerta to co-found the United Farm Workers Union and maintains its historic association with Chavez, the UFW, immigrants, and all who are poor in spirit. Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Bishop Patrick J. McGrath of the Diocese of San Jose, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, and California Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Nora Campos. September 14, 2014