Near Tres Pinos in San Benito County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
San Benito County Sesquicentennial Celebration
Photographed by Frank Gunshow Sanchez, July 27, 2024
1. San Benito County Sesquicentennial Celebration Marker
With the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in Hollister on July 13, 1871, a series of events occurred that led to the founding of San Benito County, as new markets opened through the railroad, support grew to explore dividing Monterey county by the Gabilan Range to form what would become San Benito County, with Hollister as the county seat.
The prospect didn't come without contention between divisionists and anti-divisionists. Before the September 1871 election, residents near Hollister offered for Salinas to become the Monterey County seat if Salinas would support division of the county. After several attempts, the September 1873 election resulted in sending a "divisionist" slate to Sacramento, and Gov. Newton Booth signed an act to create San Benito County on February 12, 1874. Celebrations ensued in Hollister with bonfires, guns fired and corks popping.
Now, 150 years later, we once again celebrate the founding of San Benito County with tremendous pride and reflection while looking forward to many more years of advancement for this great community.
Erected 2024 by San Benito County and Monterey Viejo Chapter 1846 E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers
this page online
Location. 36° 46.303′ N, 121° 18.648′ W. Marker is near Tres Pinos, California, in San Benito County. It can be reached from Airline Highway (California Route 25) south of Tres Pinos, on the right when traveling south. Located in San Benito County Historical Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8298 Airline Hwy, Tres Pinos CA 95075, 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Cottage Corners (within shouting distance of this marker); Palmtag Cutting Shed (within shouting distance of this marker); San Benito County Historical Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 19th Hole Rendezvous (approx. 1.3 miles away); Site of the Tres Pinos Hotel (approx. 1½ miles away); New Idria Mine (approx. 3.4 miles away); Tres Pinos/Paicines (approx. 3½ miles away); The Downfall of Tiburcio Vasquez (approx. 3½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tres Pinos.
Photographed by Frank Gunshow Sanchez, July 27, 2024
2. San Benito County Sesquicentennial Celebration Marker
Photographed by Frank Gunshow Sanchez, July 27, 2024
3. San Benito County Sesquicentennial Celebration Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2024, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. This page has been viewed 198 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 27, 2024, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
