Rancho Santa Teresa in San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The Bernal Adobe Site and Bear Tree

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, March 24, 2023

1. The Bernal Adobe Site and Bear Tree Marker

Inscription. This parcel, known as the Bernal Adobe Site, is part of the Rancho Santa Teresa Historic District of Santa Clara County. Ancestors of Mowekma Ohlone Indians used this area as a large permanent cemetery and village site as long ago as 3,000 years due in part to the existence of nearby Santa Teresa Springs. In 1776, the Spanish Expedition of Juan Bautista de Anza passed near this area, bringing 14 year old Poblacore (Populator) Jose Joaquin Bernal (1762-1837). In 1826 Jose Joaquin returned to the area and received a 9,647 acre land grant which he called Rancho Santa Teresa. Bernal was one of many retired Spanish soldiers from the Presidio of San Francisco and Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe to be rewarded with large land grants. The grants were given to individuals after the secularization of mission lands in the 1828’s. This site is also known as the Bear Tree Lot because it is believed to contain one of the great oaks to which bears would be tethered prior to Bear-Bull Fights. These contests took place as part of the rodeos held during the Spanish-Mexican Rancho era of Alta California. Jose Joaquin’s grandson Ygnacio Bernal

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(1841-1906) built his home beside a milk house in the center of this lot. This significant site became a part of Santa Teresa County Park in 1998. California Archeological Site CA-SCL-125; Santa Clara County Heritage Resource, San Jose City Landmark.

Erected 1996 by California Trails and Greenways Foundation, Bob Biggs Realtor, Friends of Santa Teresa Park, Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Dept.. Children for Oak Grove School Dist,, Mountain Charlie Chapter 1850 E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Hispanic Americans • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Sports. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus, and the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1826.

Location. 37° 13.611′ N, 121° 47.583′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Rancho Santa Teresa. It can be reached from Curie Drive east of Korhummel Way, on the right when traveling east. The plaque is mounted to a concrete foundation along an unnamed hiking trail in the Rancho Santa

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 14, 2012

2. The Bernal Adobe Site and Bear Tree Marker

Teresa Historic Area of Santa Teresa County Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 277 Curie Drive, San Jose CA 95119, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area,

in Silicon Valley,

and 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 Teresa Spring (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Santa Teresa Spring (about 700 feet away); The Bernal Hacienda (about 800 feet away); Beyond Cattle & Farming (approx. 0.2 miles away); Farming Replaces Cattle Ranching (approx. 0.2 miles away); Welcome to the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch (approx. ¼ mile away); Farm Animals (approx. ¼ mile away); Barns and Outbuildings (approx. 0.3 miles away).

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, February 14, 2012

3. The Bernal Adobe Site and Bear Tree Marker

Former roadside location.

Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.

Additional commentary.
1. Marker Moved
The marker was moved from its original roadside location, about 300 feet south, to a trail-side spot near the Bear Tree.

— Submitted March 26, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, March 24, 2023

4. The Bernal Adobe Site and Bear Tree Marker

New trailside location near The Bear Tree.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 2,874 times since then and 187 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 26, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 2, 3. submitted on February 18, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 4. submitted on March 26, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.