Gilroy in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Station Master, James A. Houck
Circa 1850
— “Ready to Roll” —
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado
1. Station Master, James A. Houck Marker
Traveling north by foot, horse or cart along the El Camino Real was several days journey from the southern Santa Clara valley to the nearest town. Recognizing an opportunity, James Houck began a stage service by building a small, split redwood inn and stable close to the eastern corner of Lewis Street. Nailing an empty cigar box to the porch railing, Houck, who could not read, fashioned a mail-drop and became the first postmaster. With mail service established, the rough-hewn stage stop and post office became a mapped destination that grew into what was to become the City of Gilroy.
City of Gilroy
Gilroy Public Art Committee
Gilroy Downtown Business Association
Marlene Amerian, Sculptor
2009
Erected by City of Gilroy.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.
Location. 37° 0.59′ N, 121° 34.209′ W. Marker is in Gilroy, California, in Santa Clara County. Marker is at the intersection of Monterey Street and Fourth Street, on the right
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Gilroy Historic Site No. 2 (within shouting distance of this marker); Robinson Hardware Co. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Thornton Building (about 500 feet away); Gilroy's First Post Office (about 500 feet away); Southern Pacific Coast Daylight GS-4 (about 500 feet away); Gilroy Historic Site No. 14 (about 700 feet away); The Stinking Rose (approx. 0.2 miles away); Gilroy (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gilroy.
Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, June 5, 2023
2. Station Master, James A. Houck Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 71 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 10, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.
