Downtown San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Captain Thomas Fallon
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 8, 2012
1. Captain Thomas Fallon Marker
Inscription.
Captain Thomas Fallon. . This statue of Captain Thomas Fallon was commissioned in 1988. It memorializes the raising of the U.S. flag in San Jose in 1846, when California was still part of Mexico. Scheduled to be installed in 1990, the statue generated an intense controversy. Supporters of the artwork believed that it commemorated an important historical event in San Jose’s history. Opponents of the statue responded that it represented a troubling moment in American history, when the United States used the Mexican-American War as a reason to annex California from Mexico. To address the issues arising from the controversy the City appointed a Historic Art Advisory Committee., The Committee recommended that the City’s public art must represent all perspectives of the City’s history. Four additional projects were recommended , artwork commemorating the Ohlone Way of Life, the life of Dr. Ernesto Galarza, the Founding of the Pueblo, and the Agricultural History of the Valley. These works have been installed in various locations around the city. This artwork is a reminder that the community’s historic events can be interpreted in many ways, depending upon one’s perspective.
This statue of Captain Thomas Fallon was commissioned in 1988. It memorializes the raising of the U.S. flag in San Jose in 1846, when California was still part of Mexico. Scheduled to be installed in 1990, the statue generated an intense controversy. Supporters of the artwork believed that it commemorated an important historical event in San Jose’s history. Opponents of the statue responded that it represented a troubling moment in American history, when the United States used the Mexican-American War as a reason to annex California from Mexico. To address the issues arising from the controversy the City appointed a Historic Art Advisory Committee.
The Committee recommended that the City’s public art must represent all perspectives of the City’s history. Four additional projects were recommended — artwork commemorating the Ohlone Way of Life, the life of Dr. Ernesto Galarza, the Founding of the Pueblo, and the Agricultural History of the Valley. These works have been installed in various locations around the city. This artwork is a reminder that the community’s historic events can be interpreted in many ways, depending upon one’s perspective.
Erected 1990 by Historic Art Advisory Committee; and artist Robert Glen.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 37° 20.252′ N, 121° 53.784′ W. Marker was in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It was in Downtown San Jose. Marker was at the intersection of St. James Street and Julian Street on St. James Street. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 183 St James Street, San Jose CA 95110, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regarding Captain Thomas Fallon. This statue was removed in April 2023 because protestors say it represents conquering indigenous people. Erasing our history cost a half-million dollars. The statue is now in storage.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 8, 2012
3. Captain Thomas Fallon Statue
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 8, 2012
4. Captain Thomas Fallon Statue in Pellier Park
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 30, 2012
5. Captain Thomas Fallon Statue
Photographed By Craig Baker, September 22, 2021
6. Statue Moved to Median
During reconstruction of Pellier Park (in the background).
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 6, 2012
7. Quetzacoatl, the Plumed Serpent
"The Plumed Serpent is one embodiment of Quetzalcóatl, an important mythological figure to the Mesoamerican pantheon. Depictions of Quetzalcóatl as a plumed serpent are found in Mesoamerica from the beginning of the Olmec period (circa 1200 BC) through the arrival of Hernán Cortes and the Spanish conquistadors and into the modern period.
Quetzalcóatl, when depicted as a plumed serpent, symbolizes the blending of heaven and earth. Quetzalcóatl associated with the planet Venus, the wind and breath of life, the discovering of corn, the invention of writing and the arts, birth and renewal.
Quetzalcóatl is derived from quetzal meaning feather and catl, meaning snake."
Credits. This page was last revised on September 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,237 times since then and 40 times this year. Last updated on September 17, 2023, by Robert Holmstrom of Rocklin, California. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 14, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 6. submitted on October 9, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 7. submitted on February 14, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.