La Honda in San Mateo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Iverson Cabin Site
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 1, 2012
1. Iverson Cabin Site Marker
Iverson made his living in the area splitting redwood shakes, working for local farmers, doing road work, and other odd jobs. Iverson had an eventful past working as a pony express rider and as a stage coach shotgun guard.
The most famous of these events was a shoot out with Captain Harry Love in the streets of Santa Clara. Captain Love was the former head of the California Rangers, who were responsible for the capture of the famous outlaw Joaquin Murrietta. At the time of the shootout, Iverson was working as a bodyguard and foreman for Mrs. Love much to the displeasure of her husband. Harry Love attempted to ambush and kill Iverson, but in the ensuing gun fight Iverson received only minor wounds. However, in the exchange of gunfire Iverson shot Harry Love who died from his injuries. Mrs. Love died later of gunshot wounds she received during the fight.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1989.
Location. 37° 14.742′ N, 122° 12.784′ W. Marker is in La Honda, California
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The First State Park (approx. 4.4 miles away); Apple Jack's Inn (approx. 6.1 miles away); Picchetti Ranch (approx. 7½ miles away); Everyday Life at the Ranch (approx. 7½ miles away); Winery and Ranch Operations (approx. 7½ miles away); The First Home on the Ranch (approx. 7.6 miles away); Stevens Creek Dam & Reservoir (approx. 8.3 miles away); Paul Masson Mountain Winery (approx. 8.3 miles away).
More about this marker. This marker is located in Portola State Park. The marker is found on the Iverson Trail which begins at the end of the Service Road (closed to traffic).
Regarding Iverson Cabin Site. In the Santa Cruz State Parks brochure it states:
Christian Iverson was the first European settler in this area. He built himself a cabin along Pescadero Creek in the 1860's and split redwood shakes for a living. Reputed to have worked as a pony express rider, his name is not listed as a rider in available records of the St. Louis to San Francisco Pony Express. However he may have ridden for one of the local express agencies.
In the 1880's
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 1, 2012
2. Iverson Cabin Site and Marker
Remains of the cabin are to the right of the marker.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Gravesite of Captain Harry Love
Credits. This page was last revised on April 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 917 times since then and 52 times this year. Last updated on April 9, 2023, by James King of San Miguel, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 4, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of the cabin before it was destroyed in the earthquake. • Can you help?
