Capitola in Santa Cruz County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
China Beach
Photographed By Richard Wisehart, June 10, 2009
1. China Beach Marker
During the 1870's and 1880's, a small village constructed of scrap lumber and driftwood was erected at the base of these cliffs. Known as China Beach, or China Cove, it was established by Chinese fishermen who set their nets by boat and then hauled their daily catch onto the beach by hand for drying and selling. By 1890, however, the expanding resort industry and waves of anti-Chinese sentiment had combined to force the last of the Chinese fishermen out of Santa Cruz County.Erected 1984 by E Clampus Vitus - Monterey Viejo Chapter No. 1846.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Chinese Heritage Sites of the American West, and the E Clampus Vitus series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 36° 58.723′ N, 121° 56.323′ W. Marker is in Capitola, California, in Santa Cruz County. Marker is on New Brighton State Beach Parking Lot, 0.4 miles south of McGregor Drive, on the left when traveling south.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Camp Capitola Superintendent’s Office (approx. ¾ mile away); First Capitola City Hall (approx. 0.8 miles away); Capitola’s Natural Riches (approx. 0.8 miles away); Historic Lawn Way Cottages (approx. 0.8 miles away); Venetian Court (approx. one mile away); Charlotte (Charlie) Parkhurst (approx. 1.2 miles away); S.S. Palo Alto (approx. 1.4 miles away); Seacliff SS Palo Alto 100 years (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Capitola.
Photographed By Richard Wisehart, June 10, 2009
2. China Beach Marker
View is southeasterly from the parking lot showing marker in foreground and New Brighton State Beach in background. New Brighton State Beach is located on the northern side of Monterey Bay a few miles east of Santa Cruz, CA.
Photographed By Richard Wisehart, June 11, 2009
3. China Beach Interpretive Sign
This sign is located in the State Beach camping area on the bluff above the historical marker to the east.
Photographed By Richard Wisehart, June 11, 2009
4. China Beach Site
Location of the now non-existant historic China Beach community. View is westerly, towards Santa Cruz, from the bluff in the State Beach camping area east of the historical marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 15, 2017. It was originally submitted on June 12, 2009, by Richard Wisehart of Sonora, California. This page has been viewed 1,499 times since then and 127 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 12, 2009, by Richard Wisehart of Sonora, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
