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

Before the Boardwalk

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, January 8, 2013

1. Before the Boardwalk Marker

Inscription. The Santa Cruz Beach was changed forever in 1904 when promoter and entrepreneur Fred Swanton hosted the grand opening of the Neptune Casino, a Moorish-style wonder and wedding cake of a building. The Casino was destroyed by fire in June of 1906. Almost before the smoke had cleared, Swanton, was making plans for building a new Casino.

The popularity of beaches grew in the late 1800’s as people came to believe that “taking the waters” was good for their health. Bathhouses sprung up along the beach in Santa Cruz, giving visitors a place to safeguard their modesty when changing into bathing clothes before entering the water.

Erected by Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Sports. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1906.

Location. 36° 57.832′ N, 122° 1.167′ W. Marker is in Santa Cruz, California, in Santa Cruz County. It can be reached from Beach Street. This marker is located under the covered arcade, facing the beach, between the two sets of stairs. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz CA 95060, 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: The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (within shouting distance of this marker); The Plunge

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(within shouting distance of this marker); A History of Commerce (within shouting distance of this marker); Daredevils (within shouting distance of this marker); A Love Story (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cocoanut Grove (within shouting distance of this marker); The Santa Cruz Seaside Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Beauty and the Beach (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Cruz.

More about this marker. This marker is located on the grounds of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, January 8, 2013

2. Before the Boardwalk Marker

Neptune's Kingdom from the beach image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, January 8, 2013

3. Neptune's Kingdom from the beach

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 24, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,111 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 24, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.