Alum Rock in San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Welcome to Alum Rock Park
California’s Oldest Municipal Park
Alum Rock Park was acquired in stages over many years. The original claim is based on the first land grant by Governor Filipe de Neve, July 22, 1778. Alum Rock Park has survived many challenges to that original grant and on March 13, 1872 the California State Legislature set aside this land “...for all time to come, as a public park.” Since 1872, Alum Rock Park has grown to be San Jose’s largest, as well as our state’s oldest city park. Once a well known mineral spring health spa, the park has been restored to a natural area of majestic oaks, gently flowing streams and waving grassland. This series of interpretive panels will help visitors explore the rich and colorful history of this fantastic park.
The Reservation
Alum Rock Park, and the stream that flows through it, has had many different names. The Native Americans that lived in the valley called the creek Shistuk, and the early Spanish settlers called the creek Aguague, the watering place. At some point the creek became known as Penitencia Creek, possibly from a nearby creek known as La Pentencia where the friars from the mission would go for penance. The Park was originally known as The Reservation, but this was only an unofficial title. The first recorded use of the name Alum Rock was in 1890. At that time, people thought the white coating on the large rock near the park entrance was the mineral alum. John Martin Ogan gave the name Alum Rock to the entire canyon sometime near the turn of the century. By the early 1900s, most maps and official references used the name Alum Rock.
Erected by San Jose Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Resources • Notable Places. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1923.
Location. 37° 23.765′ N, 121° 48.094′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Alum Rock. Marker can be reached from Alum Rock Road, on the left when traveling east. The marker is located in front of the Alum Rock Park visitors center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15270 Alum Rock Road, San Jose CA 95132, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Historic Alum Rock Park (a few steps from this marker); The Natatorium (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Alum Rock Log Cabin (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mineral Springs Grotto (approx. ¼ mile away); The Flood of 1911 and Broad Gauge Rails (approx. 0.7 miles away); Steam Dummies & 25 Cents! (approx. 1.3 miles away); Electrification (approx. 1.3 miles away); Cesar E. Chavez (approx. 3.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 17, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,102 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 17, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.