West Valley in San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Winchester House

Photographed by Leticia A. Kohnen, October 24, 2006

1. Winchester House Marker

Inscription. Built by Sarah Winchester, widow of rifle manufacturer William Winchester, this unique structure includes many outstanding elements of Victorian architecture and fine craftsmanship. Construction began in 1884 and continued without interruption until Mrs. Winchester’s death in 1922. The continual building and remodeling created a 160-room house covering an area of six acres.

Erected 1974 by State Department of Parks & Recreation, Winchester Mystery House Inc. (Marker Number 868.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Women. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.

Location. 37° 19.122′ N, 121° 57.046′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in West Valley. It can be reached from South Winchester Boulevard south of Olsen Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Plaque is located at the entrance to the visitors center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 525 S Winchester

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Blvd, San Jose CA 95128, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area,

in Silicon Valley,

and 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Winchester Mystery House (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Winchester Mystery House (a few steps from this marker); Captain Harry Love (approx. 1.1 miles away); Rev. Isaac Owen (approx. 1.2 miles away); “Eberhard” (approx. 1.2 miles away); Saint Matthew (approx. 1½ miles away); Saint John (approx. 1½ miles away); Saint Mark (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.

Regarding Winchester House. Sarah Winchester believed she was creating a place for those killed by Winchester rifles to

Winchester House Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, September 26, 2021

2. Winchester House Markers

National Register of Historic Places, and San Jose Historic Landmark No. 101.

rest. Sarah had carpenters working on the house 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for as long as she lived. The mansion and grounds are open to the public year round.

Additional keywords. Winchester Mystery House

Photographed by Craig Baker, September 26, 2021

3. Winchester House Markers

Winchester House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, September 26, 2021

4. Winchester House

Courtyard & Bell Tower image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Leticia A. Kohnen, October 24, 2006

5. Courtyard & Bell Tower

The bell in the bell tower was rung to call in workers in the orchards at the end of the day. Today it is rung at 1:00 p.m. each month in which a Friday falls on the 13th of that month & on Halloween of each year. Often, area celebrities are given the honor of coming to the mansion and ringing the bell.

Vintage Postcard - Winchester Mystery House image. Click for full size.

Stanley L. Piltz Co. SF, Ca - Distr. by San Jose Chamber of Commerce

6. Vintage Postcard - Winchester Mystery House

Description on Postcard: The Winchester Mystery House on Winchester Road, near San Jose, California. The three million dollar Wonder House, built as the spirits directed, by the late Sarah L. Winchester (of Winchester Rifle fame). Many rooms were built for departed spirits.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2007, by Mathew H. Kohnen of San Jose, California. This page has been viewed 4,411 times since then and 114 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 19, 2007, by Mathew H. Kohnen of San Jose, California. 2. submitted on September 26, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3, 4. submitted on October 12, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on September 19, 2007, by Mathew H. Kohnen of San Jose, California. 6. submitted on September 12, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.