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

Inscription. 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.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers

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. 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. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is on Central Coast

and specifically on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is 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 finds 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 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.

The City Plaza image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, April 18, 2022

2. The City Plaza

Dedication To The Memory of Don Sebastian Rodriguez image. Click for full size.

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

The NRHP Plaque image. Click for full size.

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 792 times since then and 55 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.