Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Louden (London) Nelson

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 3, 2013

1. Louden (London) Nelson Marker

Inscription. Born a slave May 5, 1800 on a North Carolina plantation, Louden (London) Nelson worked the cotton fields until his master, Matthew Nelson brought him to the 1849 California Gold Rush. After securing his freedom, he arrived in Santa Cruz in 1856. Nelson worked as a cobbler. He also rented a small plot where he grew and sold produce. Nelson purchased land near the corner of River and Front Streets where he enjoyed hearing children at play at the school on nearby Mission Hill.
The school was shut down soon after for lack of funds. 50 years of hard work took its’ toll and he fell ill with consumption. Friends helped the illiterate Nelson prepare his will, bequeathing his entire estate “unto Santa Cruz School District forever for the purpose of promoting the interest of education”. Louden (London) Nelson died May 17, 1860. He was buried here at Evergreen Cemetery among the honored pioneers of Santa Cruz County. His understanding of the important role education plays in this community will live forever in the happy sounds and hearts of Santa Cruz school children.

Erected 2006 by E Clampus Vitus, El Viceroy Marquez de Branciforte Chapter 1797.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans

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• Education. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 5, 1829.

Location. 36° 58.837′ N, 122° 2.079′ W. Marker is in Santa Cruz, California, in Santa Cruz County. Marker can be reached from Evergreen Street. This marker is located at the Evergreen Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 261 Evergreen Street, Santa Cruz CA 95060, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Remembering Chinese Pioneers (a few steps from this marker); Grave of Grove C. Cook (within shouting distance of this marker); Mary Amney Case (within shouting distance of this marker); Williams (within shouting distance of this marker); California Pioneers (within shouting distance of this marker); Isaac Graham: “Swashbuckling Soldier of Fortune (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Arthur A. Taylor (about 300 feet away); Lady of the Night (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Cruz.

Also see . . . How a man born into slavery became one of Santa Cruz’s most famous philanthropists.

"Details of London Nelson’s life are scant, and not a photograph or likeness remains. But a portrait emerges
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 3, 2013

2. Louden (London) Nelson Marker
from historical accounts of a smart and resourceful man who was trusted and liked by adults and children alike, and who quickly joined in community and commercial life in his adopted town, going door-to-door selling produce grown on a plot by the river near what is now Downtown Santa Cruz."

(Submitted on September 6, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)

Chinese Burial Ground image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 3, 2013

3. Chinese Burial Ground

Located near the Louden (London) Nelson grave site.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 3, 2013

4. Chinese Burial Ground

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 3, 2013

5. Chinese Burial Ground

Feb. 1, 1901

Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 7, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 659 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 7, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 10, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.