Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Branciforte

California State Historic Landmark #469 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Leticia A. Kohnen, October 4, 2006

1. California State Historic Landmark #469

Inscription. These school grounds were the center of Villa de Branciforte founded in 1797 by Governor Diego de Borica of California on orders from Spain through Viceroy Branciforte in Mexico. The settlement existed as political entity until American occupancy of California. Remained as township until 1905, when it was annexed to the city of Santa Cruz.

Erected 1950 by California Centennials Commission in cooperation with Santa Cruz County Historical Society. (Marker Number 469.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Colonial Era. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1797.

Location. 36° 58.866′ N, 122° 0.861′ W. Marker is in Santa Cruz, California, in Santa Cruz County. It is at the intersection of North Branciforte Avenue and Water Street on North Branciforte Avenue. At southwest corner of intersection of N. Branciforte Avenue & Water Street, in front of Branciforte School. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 840 N Branciforte Ave, Santa Cruz CA 95062, 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: First National Bank (approx. 0.2 miles away); William Wessell Home (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Antlers

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(approx. half a mile away); Gault School (approx. half a mile away); Bull and Bear Fights (approx. 0.6 miles away); Windham Grocery (approx. 0.6 miles away); E.E. Underwood House (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Branciforte Adobe (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Cruz.

Site of Center of Villa De Branciforte image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Leticia A. Kohnen, October 4, 2006

2. Site of Center of Villa De Branciforte

Nothing remains of the community of Branciforte. The Branciforte School now occupies the site.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2007, by Mathew H. Kohnen of San Jose, California. This page has been viewed 2,839 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 7, 2007, by Mathew H. Kohnen of San Jose, California. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.