Gilroy in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Gilroy
Hospitality Shines Through Volunteers and Celebrations
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado
1. Gilroy Marker
Gymkhana 1929-1956
Many activities including parades and rodeos in a ‘Wild West Theme’ attracted visitors who filled the 5,000 seat bleachers.
Beginning in 1967, “Bonanza Days” continued the celebrations with a grand parade and a week of family activities and contests.
Gilroy Hot Springs
When not enjoying the restorative qualities of the hot springs, guests could play croquet, go hiking, hunting and fishing.
The three-story hotel became a well known landmark and was completed in 1874. The hotel and other structures burned down in 1980. The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
Gilroy Gardens
Tree-loving Michael Bonfante built a recreation park, which opened in 2001 as Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park. In 2006 it was purchased by the City of Gilroy and is now known as Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park.
The Basket Tree is the symbol of Gilroy Gardens.
Gilroy Garlic Festival
The Gilroy Garlic Festival began in 1979 and is now one of the ultimate food festivals in the USA and the biggest celebration for this community.
Erected 2017 by City of Gilroy.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work
this page online
Location. 37° 0.452′ N, 121° 34.171′ W. Marker is in Gilroy, California, in Santa Clara County. Marker can be reached from Gourmet Alley north of 6th Street when traveling north. The marker is along the Gilroy Historical Paseo. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7453 Monterey Road, Gilroy CA 95020, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Agriculture in Gilroy (here, next to this marker); Gilroy’s Cowboy Era (a few steps from this marker); Early Settlers (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Gilroy (a few steps from this marker); Gilroy Means Business (a few steps from this marker); The Stinking Rose (a few steps from this marker); City of Gilroy (within shouting distance of this marker); Chesbro Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gilroy.
Also see . . . The Gilroy Historical Paseo. Visit Gilroy website entry:
"This walkway displays several colorful panels filled with pictures and descriptions about Gilroy’s rich history, including agriculture, the cowboy era, garlic, festivals and attractions, diverse founders and settlers, and more."(Submitted on March 25, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, March 24, 2023
2. Gilroy Marker
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, March 24, 2023
3. Dedication Panel
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 84 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 25, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of the Basket Tree at Gilroy Gardens. • Can you help?
