Davenport in Santa Cruz County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Big Creek Light and Power Company
Photographed By Francisco Sanchez Ruiz
1. Big Creek Light and Power Company Marker
In the plant's final configuration, water from Big Creek, Boyer Creek and Mill Creek flowed through more than five miles of redwood flumes to a reservoir and penstock 925 feet above the power house, down through a 22 inch pressure pipe turning three Pelton water wheels. Depending on the season and water available, up to 1100 kilowatts of electricity was sent 18 miles to Santa Cruz.
Big Creek Water Company became Big Creek Light And Power Company and in 1912 merged with other power companies to form Coast Counties Gas And Electric Company.
Profitable until the flumes were destroyed by a large forest fire in September of 1948, the plant was scrapped in the early 1950s.
Erected 2010 by El Viceroy Marques de Branciforte E Clampus Vitus Chapter 1797 Yerba Buena Number One Capitulus Redivivus Clampsus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1896.
Location. 37° 4.509′ N, 122° 13.214′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Swanton (approx. ¾ mile away); Swanton Pacific Ranch (approx. one mile away); Washout 1997 to 2001 (approx. one mile away); Don Gaspar de Portolá (approx. 3½ miles away); St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church (approx. 4.6 miles away); Davenport Jail (approx. 4.6 miles away); Dickerman-Steele House (approx. 5.6 miles away); Steele Brothers' Dairy Ranches (approx. 5.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Davenport.
Photographed By Jim Cirner
2. Big Creek Light and Power Company Marker
Plaque mounted to the boulder.
Photographed By Jim Cirner
3. Big Creek Light and Power Company
Area being cleared next to the site of the old Big Creek Light & Power Company. The marker was eventually set to the left of the building.
Photographed By Jim Cirner
4. Big Creek Light and Power Company
Boulder being moved to the site where the marker will be set.
Photographed By Jim Cirner
5. Big Creek Light and Power Company
Boulder is set at its final location. This boulder was destined for the breakwater at Pillar Point in the 1950's.
Photographed By Jim Cirner
6. Big Creek
Nice and calm in August. Turns into a raging river in winter.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2017. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2017, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. This page has been viewed 579 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 20, 2017, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
