Lone Tree Cemetery

Lone Tree Cemetery. . According to legend, in 1790, a young Spanish couple looking for food and lodging arrived at Don Guillermo Castro’s hacienda. After eating, the couple was directed to a lone tree, atop a nearby hill, so they could enjoy the view of the area. Later that day an elderly Spaniard, claiming to be the young woman’s father, inquired about the couple and was likewise directed to the lone tree by Don Castro. , A few hours later, the old man returned to the hacienda alone and bid Don Castro farewell. Anxious about the safety of the young couple, Don Castro sent his vaqueros to the lone tree to investigate, where they found the couple lying side by side, under the majestic oak tree, not asleep but shot dead. The murder was never prosecuted and this story served as the inspiration for establishing this location as the final resting place for those who came later. , 1868 Lone Tree Cemetery established , 1882 Fireman’s plot , Honoring fallen firemen, dedicated by William Hayward, the city of Hayward’s namesake and a volunteer fireman. , 1901 Armed forces veteran’s plot established , 1994 Iconic statue of “praying hands” is carved from a tree trunk , To date, over 19,500 internments, including 4,000 veterans