#0469 Site of Center of Villa de Branciforte
Title
#0469 Site of Center of Villa de Branciforte
Site information:
SE corner of Water and Branciforte, Santa CruzNothing historic remains at the site given by the OHP.
The landmark denotes the center of the Villa, but there is an adobe about 0.6 mi N of the plaque, at the corner of Branciforte and Goss Aves. The adobe is a private residence, but there is a plaque which states it was a part of the Villa de Branciforte.
36.981206,-122.014018
Plaque information:
State plaque(Private plaque at the adobe site)
State plaque text:
BranciforteThese school grounds were the center of Villa de Branciforte founded in 1797 by Governor Diego de Borica of California on orders from Spain through Viceroy Branciforte in Mexico. The settlement existed as political entity until American occupancy of California. Remained as township until 1905, when it was annexed to the city of Santa Cruz.
Marker placed by California Centennials Commission in cooperation with Santa Cruz County Historical Society. Dedicated November 17, 1950
Private plaque text:
The Branciforte Adobe
The only remaining structure of the Villa de Branciforte established 1797. The last and least prosperous of the three Spanish civil settlements in Alta California. Populated by paroled petty criminals from Guadalajaran Juzgados and pensioned soldiers. The humble two room adobe constructed in the Spanish era with tile roof, two foot thick walls, exterior stairway and verandas front and rear, may have housed the Spanish comisionado in the early 1800's. Presently under restoration and inhabited by Joe and Edna Kimbro and famiy.
Dedicated this 18th day of October 1980. Monterey Viejo Chapter No. 1846, E Clampus Vitus
Registered 8/30/1950