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

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

1907 - 2007

Photographed By Francisco Sanchez Ruiz

1. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Marker

Inscription. Towards the end of the 19th Century Fred W. Swanton, considered one of the greatest promoters and entrepreneurs of his time, laid plans for a casino and boardwalk - a "Coney Island of the West." The casino opened in 1904 but survived only 22 months; on June 22, 1906, the uninsured building was completely destroyed by fire.

Legend has it that Swanton was lining up financing and ordering materials to rebuild even before the last wisps of smoke disappeared. By Summer's end, famed architect William Weeks was drawing up plans, and on June 15, 1907, less than one year after the devastating fire, the new Boardwalk and Casino opened.

100 years later, the Boardwalk is California's oldest continuously operated seaside amusement park.

The famed park has provided generations of visitors a unique setting upon which to build millions of memories with their families and friends.

Erected 2007 by El Viceroy Marques de Branciforte 1797 E Clampus Vitus Chapter.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 22, 1906.

Location. 36° 57.849′ N, 122° 1.174′ W. Marker is in Santa Cruz, California

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, in Santa Cruz County. Marker is on Beach Street, on the left when traveling north. 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Plunge (within shouting distance of this marker); Before the Boardwalk (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); A History of Commerce (within shouting distance of this marker); A Love Story (within shouting distance of this marker); Daredevils (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.

Photographed By Jim Cirner

2. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Marker

Casino Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Baker, September 21, 2021

3. Casino Building

The marker is at far left.

Photographed By Craig Baker, September 21, 2021

4. Casino Building

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Leticia A. Kohnen

5. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Credits. This page was last revised on September 21, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2017, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. This page has been viewed 682 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 17, 2017, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. 3, 4. submitted on September 21, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on September 7, 2007, by Mathew H. Kohnen of San Jose, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.