Almaden in San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

MISSING

SEE LOCATION SECTION

Casa Grande

Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 13, 2006

1. Casa Grande Marker

Inscription. Built in 1854 of adobe, brick and wood. Residence of Mines Managers until 1925. Most gracious & stately California Mansion of early days. Scene of important social & political events. Planned by Henry W. Halleck & built by J. Young & F. Meyer. Halleck was General-In-Chief, Union Armies, in Civil War.

Erected by New Almaden Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources • Notable Buildings • Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.

Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 37° 10.703′ N, 121° 49.172′ W. Marker was in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It was in Almaden. It could be reached from Almaden Road. Marker and site are located at New Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 21350 Almaden Road, San Jose CA 95120, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in California’s San Francisco Bay Area,

in Silicon Valley,

and on the Coast Ranges.

It was also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it was in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: New Almaden Quicksilver Mine (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Casa Grande (within shouting distance of this marker); The Randol Family Home (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hacienda Cemetery (about 400 feet away); John Young House (about 400 feet away); a different

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

marker also named Hacienda Cemetery (about 400 feet away); Huttner House (about 500 feet away); Robert Scott House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.

Regarding Casa Grande. This building now houses the New Almaden Mining Museum.

Also see all other New Almaden "Nearby Markers" for additional information.

Also see . . .
1. Santa Clara County Parks – The New Almaden Mining Museum. Site of Casa Grande (Submitted on January 4, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

2. The California State Military Museum - Major General Henry Wager Halleck. The Casa Grande design and construction were overseen by Major General Henry W. Halleck (Submitted on January 4, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 13, 2006

2. Casa Grande Marker

Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 13, 2006

3. Casa Grande

Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 13, 2006

4. Casa Grande

Marker is seen on the right of photo

Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 13, 2006

5. Casa Grande

Mining Exhibit on Display in Museum image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 13, 2006

6. Mining Exhibit on Display in Museum

Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 13, 2006

7. Mining Exhibit on Display in Museum

Sign at Entrance to Casa Grande image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, May 13, 2006

8. Sign at Entrance to Casa Grande

Welcome to CASA GRANDE This stately three story mansion was built in 1854 under the direction of Captain Henry Halleck, then director of the New Almaden Mine.
Casa Grande (large house) served as residence for a succession of mine officials and as a country weekend retreat for wealthy mine investors who often gathered to relax and discuss their extravagant business dealings.

After closing of mine operations at New Almaden, Casa Grande had a succession of private owners and served a number of purposes, including a tourist resort known as Club Alamden.
In 1997, Santa Clara County Parks purchased Casa Grande, dedicating the historic property to the residents of Santa Clara County by adding it to Almaden Quicksilver County Park.

Casa Grande image. Click for more information.

Historic American Buildings Survey (Library of Congress)

9. Casa Grande

Front and South Wall, View from West HABS CAL,43-ALMA,4-
Building/structure dates: 1854 initial construction Significance: Casa Grande was built in 1854 as the residence of the general manager of the New Almaden Mining Company, the richest and most productive mining enterprise in North America. Designed by San Francisco architect Gordon Parker Cummings and Henry W. Halleck, then manager of the company, the large two-story brick building was originally covered with stucco, scored to simulate ashlar masonry. Now only the first-floor stucco veneer remains. A low veranda with slender wooden balusters and supporting posts extends across the front and around the side elevations. The grounds were landscaped in 1854, and ca. 1865 a lake between the house and Alamitos Creek was constructed. To formalize the area surrounding the lake, extensive improvements were completed in 1882 under the direction of the company's manager, James Butterworth Randol. Until the early 20th century Casa Grande served as the manager's residence and the entertainment hall of the company. It has subsequently been used as a club, restaurant, bar and prostitution hall, and most recently, for commercial businesses on the lower levels and an apartment on the second floor.
Click for more information.

Historic American Buildings Survey (Library of Congress)

10. Casa Grande

Rear View From East

Major General Henry Halleck (1815-1872) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Civilwarhome.com

11. Major General Henry Halleck (1815-1872)

(www.civilwarhome.com/halleckbio.htm)

Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 29, 2011

12. Casa Grande

The building has recently been painted with the color changing from red to yellow. The markers originally placed at the front of the building have been removed.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, March 28, 2011

13. Casa Grande

View of the rear of the building.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,349 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on January 4, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 9, 10. submitted on May 15, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 11. submitted on January 4, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 12, 13. submitted on April 6, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.