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

Isaac Graham: “Swashbuckling Soldier of Fortune

“Trapper, Hunter, Rifleman, Ranchero, Lumberman and Litigant”

— 1800 – 1863 —

Isaac Graham: “Swashbuckling Soldier of Fortune Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 3, 2013

1. Isaac Graham: “Swashbuckling Soldier of Fortune Marker

Inscription. Isaac Graham: Born Sept. 1, 1800 in Fincastle, Virginia, was a rough and tumble trapper and mountain man, who wandered the western wilderness. He ended up in 1836 Natividad, California where he ran a Saloon and Whiskey Still.

He organized Los Rifleros Americanos and joined Juan Alvarado to oust the Governor of Monterey and put Alvarado in the Governor’s seat in Monterey. He was later arrested and sent to a prison in Monterey and then Mexico.

After being released he moved to the Zayante Rancho and later acquired the Rancho where he went into a partnership with Joseph Majors, Fredrick Hogel and Peter Lassen to start the first water-powered lumber mill in California. He also acquired 17,000 acres in Ano Nuevo.

An acquaintance once described him as being “so well thought of that he was feared by any one in opposition and that all parties desired to have him on their side for they feared the crack of his terrible rifle”.

Erected 2004 by E Clampus Vitus, El Viceroy Marquez de Branciforte Chapter 1797.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1829.

Location.

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36° 58.879′ N, 122° 2.1′ W. Marker is in Santa Cruz, California, in Santa Cruz County. Marker can be reached from Evergreen Street, on the right when traveling south. This marker is located in the Evergreen Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 261 Evergreen 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. Arthur A. Taylor (a few steps from this marker); California Pioneers (a few steps from this marker); Williams (within shouting distance of this marker); Mary Amney Case (within shouting distance of this marker); Grave of Grove C. Cook (within shouting distance of this marker); Remembering Chinese Pioneers (within shouting distance of this marker); Lady of the Night (within shouting distance of this marker); Louden (London) Nelson (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Cruz.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 3, 2013

2. Isaac Graham: “Swashbuckling Soldier of Fortune Marker

The marker is behind the tombstone.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 7, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 769 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 7, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.