Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Mission Santa Cruz
N.D.G.W.26 / N.S.G.W. 90
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, July 29, 2022
1. Mission Santa Cruz Marker
Mission Santa Cruz,
Founded 1791 by Father Lasuen.
Dedicated 1794
Erected by Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1791.
Location. 36° 58.705′ N, 122° 1.786′ W. Marker is in Santa Cruz, California, in Santa Cruz County. Marker is at the intersection of High Street and Emmett Street, on the right when traveling west on High Street. The enameled marker is mounted to a metal post on the sidewalk in front of the Holy Cross Catholic Church. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Santa Cruz CA 95060, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of the Original Native American Cemetery Wall (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Santa Cruz Mission (within shouting distance of this marker); Francisco Alzina House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); "El Camino Real" (about 400 feet away); Willey House (about 400 feet away); Davis House (about 500 feet away); The First Methodist (about 600 feet away); Louden Nelson (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Cruz.
this page online
Additional commentary.
1. Santa Cruz Historic Building Survey, Volume III, March 2013
"The historic streetscapes of Santa Cruz, made up of stone retaining walls, stairways and steps, curbs, mature vegetation, and historic residences, give Santa Cruz a strong sense of time and place. The construction of stone retaining walls in Santa Cruz was critical in the development of the city’s cultural landscape. The first masonry retaining walls were constructed by Mission Santa Cruz’s neophyte population during the Mission Period. Throughout the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, retaining walls were used in areas where steep slopes dictated their use to tame the natural contours of the city’s terrain. Retaining walls, steps, and curbs were constructed to make steep lots to accommodate site elevation changes, create boundaries, as well as to facilitate pedestrian access to the bluffs that frame downtown Santa Cruz. Much of the work of building these walls and steps was conducted as part of an effort to beautify the city to attract tourism and commerce.
The walls and other resources identified as significant to the Santa Cruz landscape are important historic and architectural character-defining features of the neighborhood and streetscape. Many of these survive and often are
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, July 29, 2022
2. Mission Santa Cruz Marker
— Submitted August 4, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 4, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 147 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 4, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
