Watsonville in Santa Cruz County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The City Plaza
Downtown Watsonville
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, April 18, 2022
1. The City Plaza Marker
Watsonville City Plaza rests on a portion of the Bolsa de Pajaro Spanish Land Grant which was owned by the Rodriguez family. This plot of ground in the center of town was given to the people of Watsonville by Sebastian Rodriguez in 1860 through his heirs. In its beginnings, it was little more than pasture land where cattle grazed at will and children hid from one another behind the tall grasses.In 1880 a fountain was donated to the plaza by the Butterfly Social Club and in 1893, a drinking fountain was donated by the Women's Christian Temperance Union which was modernized in 1913. The present bandstand, replacing an earlier wooden one, was designed by architect William Weeks in 1906. A cover was placed on top of the bandstand in 1916 which was designed by Ralph Wyckoff and later replaced in 1965 by one designed by architect Robert Wong.
There has been talk of many innovations to the plaza over the years, but for the most part, it has been left as it was intended to be - a pretty spot in the center of town to be used and enjoyed by the local population.
Erected by City of Watsonville
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.
Location. 36° 54.61′ N, 121° 45.398′ W. Marker is in Watsonville, California, in Santa Cruz County. Marker is on Main Street near West Beach Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located near the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Watsonville CA 95076, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. This Gun Was Used (a few steps from this marker); The Mansion House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lettunich Building (within shouting distance of this marker); A Year to Remember in Watsonville (within shouting distance of this marker); Kalich Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Where Strawberries are Sweeter (about 400 feet away); Porter Building (about 500 feet away); The City of Watsonville (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Watsonville.
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, April 18, 2022
2. The City Plaza
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, April 18, 2022
3. Dedication To The Memory of Don Sebastian Rodriguez
Plaque placed by the Native Daughters of the Golden West in 1980
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, April 18, 2022
4. Bandstand
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, April 18, 2022
5. The NRHP Plaque
This plaque is mounted on the bandstand.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 19, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 58 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 19, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
