West Valley in San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Winchester Mystery House
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, April 17, 2012
1. Winchester Mystery House Marker
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.
Erected 1983 by Winchester Mystery House and Mountain Charlie Chapter No. 1850, E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.
Location. 37° 19.119′ N, 121° 57.05′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in West Valley. Marker is at the intersection of South Winchester Boulevard and Olsen Drive on South Winchester
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Winchester Mystery House (here, next to this marker); Winchester House (here, next to this marker); Captain Harry Love (approx. 1.1 miles away); Rev. Isaac Owen (approx. 1.2 miles away); “Eberhard” (approx. 1.2 miles away); Saint Matthew (approx. 1½ miles away); Saint John (approx. 1½ miles away); Saint Mark (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.
More about this marker. To keep with the tradition, this marker was dedicated on Friday the 13th.
Regarding Winchester Mystery House. Sarah Winchester believed she was creating a place for those killed by Winchester rifles to rest. Sarah had carpenters working on the house 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for as long as she lived. She had a fascination for the number 13. Windows had 13 panes of glass, and she had the ornate brass chandelier in the dining room modified with a place for a 13th lamp. The mansion and grounds are open to the public year round.
Also see . . . The Winchester Mystery House - Beautiful but Bizarre!
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, April 17, 2012
2. Winchester Mystery House Marker
The marker is to the right of the ticket booth.
Photographed By Leticia A. Kohnen
3. Winchester Mystery House
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 735 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 20, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on September 19, 2007, by Mathew H. Kohnen of San Jose, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
