Porterville in Tulare County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Elisha Packwood
Photographed By Dr. Samuel Gregg George Chapter No. 1855 E Clampus Vitus, January 20, 2013
1. Elisha Packwood Marker
A significant segment of Porterville and Tulare County history is associated with this site and this monument through the name of Elisha Packwood who built his home here in 1852 after crossing the plains as leader of a wagon train, from Missouri that included his brother Samuel, and two brothers-in-law Joseph Prothero and Jabes Smith. This was the first family group to settle, farm and run livestock along the Tule River in the area of what is now Porterville. The Packwood House was on high ground on the east side of the river that then ran north along present Second and Third Streets before turning west into the valley at present Henderson Avenue and the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks. Packwood cattle of the Durham breed ranged over 3,000 acres that had been acquired by Elisha and Samuel Packwood between 1850 and 1852. The stylized Elisha Packwood brand was the second brand registered in Tulare County on April 9, 1853. The Elisha and Samuel Packwood families, also the Protheros, prospered until they suffered severe financial losses in the drought year of 1864 that decimated much of the San Joaquin Valley. Elisha then moved to San Jose where
this page online
Elisha Packwood's brand
Samuel Packwood's brand
Erected 1992 by Dr. Samuel Gregg George Chapter 1855 of E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 9, 1853.
Location. 36° 4.17′ N, 119° 0.839′ W. Marker is in Porterville, California, in Tulare County. Marker is at the intersection of East Putnam Avenue and North 3rd Street, on the right when traveling west on East Putnam Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: East Putnam Street, Porterville CA 93257, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Dr. Samuel Gregg George (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Nettie Smith's Place (about 700 feet away); Time Marches On (about 700 feet away); Porterville's Badman (about 800 feet away); Tule River Stage Station (approx. 0.8 miles away); Gabriel Moraga (approx. 0.8 miles away); a different marker also named The Tule River Stage Station (approx. 1.1 miles away); Vandalia (approx. 1˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Porterville.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2019, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. This page has been viewed 270 times since then and 108 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on October 27, 2019, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide area view of the marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?
