Historical Markers and War Memorials in Santa Clara, California
San Jose is the county seat for Santa Clara County
Santa Clara is in Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County(616) ► ADJACENT TO SANTA CLARA COUNTY Alameda County(674) ► Merced County(38) ► San Benito County(55) ► San Mateo County(191) ► Santa Cruz County(257) ► Stanislaus County(120) ►
Touch name on this list to highlight map location. Touch blue arrow, or on map, to go there.
On Benton Street east of Pierce Street, on the left when traveling east.
Born in San Francisco, James Donovan came to Santa Clara following the 1906 earthquake at the age of nine and resided in this house the rest of his life. Orphaned young, he started hauling baggage from the railroad depot using a few dogs pulling a . . . — — Map (db m53041) HM
One of the largest tanneries in the world, the Eberhard Tannery was part of Santa Clara’s economic life for over 100 years. Originally called the Santa Clara Tannery, in 1867 it was purchased by John J. Eberhard from his Father-In-Law. By 1904 the . . . — — Map (db m24255) HM
Near Marie P DeBartolo Way, 0.3 miles east of Great America Parkway, on the right when traveling east.
Dwight Clark's leaping fingertip catch at Candlestick Park
is a seminal moment in San Francisco 49ers history.
With 58 seconds remaining in the 1981 NFC Championship
Game, Joe Montana rolled right under pressure from three
Dallas Cowboys . . . — — Map (db m182544) HM
On El Camino Real (California Route 82) at Lincoln Street, on the right when traveling south on El Camino Real.
Here, on January 8, 1847, Francisco Sanchez, leader of a California band surrendered himself and some American prisoners and arms to Lieut. Grayson thus ending the “Battle of Santa Clara” or the “Battle of the Mustard Stalks” of January 2, 1847. . . . — — Map (db m2627) HM
Arts, civic, cultural, historical and indigenous groups benefited from the personal service of this sixth-generation Californian.
The life of this descendent of Santa Clara’s first physician, H.H. Warburton, and the Spanish colonist Alviso, . . . — — Map (db m52935) HM
On El Camino Real (State Highway 82) near Bowe Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
On January 2, 1847, somewhere hereabouts was fought the last northern battle of the Mexican War. The official casualty report: “Dead none, Wounded none, Missing but one on the American side and he came up shortly afterwards stating that he had . . . — — Map (db m24337) HM
On North Winchester Boulevard at Bellomy Street, on the right when traveling north on North Winchester Boulevard.
This plaque marks the original site of the first chartered college in California. It was chartered as the California Wesleyan College on July 10, 1851. The following year the name was changed to University of the Pacific and in 1911 it became the . . . — — Map (db m61492) HM
On Lincoln Street south of Benton Street, on the right when traveling south.
Judge Hiram Graham Bond owned the ranch 1895-1909.
Purchased by U.S. Senator James d. Phelan in 1913.
The monastery chapel and residence buildings were
constructed in 1917 as a permanent monastery for the community of Cloistered Discalced . . . — — Map (db m52907) HM
On Fremont Street just east of Washington Street, on the left when traveling east.
“The house that seeds built” was constructed in 1892 by Charles Copeland Morse, co-founder of one of the largest vegetable and flower seed companies in the world, the Ferry-Morse Seed Company. This outstanding Queen Anne residence is the . . . — — Map (db m52857) HM
On El Camino Real (State Highway 82), on the right when traveling north.
Lt. Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza by decree of Carlos III of Spain led and expedition near this site – The mission being to colonize the San Francisco Bay Area.
In the center of the marker is a circular motif, designed by Doris Birkland . . . — — Map (db m24727) HM
On Main Street at Santa Clara Street on Main Street.
Built 1886. First medical doctor in Santa Clara. Arrived 1848. First floor one time used as pharmacy and office. Born Staffordshire England 1819. Died Santa Clara 1903. — — Map (db m52898) HM
Near Benton Street west of Washington Street, on the right when traveling west.
Built after 1855 to avoid patients using his residence at 1075. Dr. Arthur W. Saxe born New York 1821. Died Monterey County 1892. — — Map (db m52901) HM
On Homestead Road at Monroe Street, on the right when traveling east on Homestead Road.
This Gothic Revival structure was built in 1904 by the Advent Christian Church. The style is characterized by a steeply pitched roof, decorated barge broad along the roof edge and pointed arch windows.
The Advent Christian Congregation was . . . — — Map (db m52866) HM
Here in his cell November 22, 1830 died Father Magin Catala. To mark the spot, the Catala Club placed this memorial November 22, 1930. — — Map (db m195453) HM
On Harrison Street east of Main Street, on the left when traveling east.
Built & occupied in 1891 by Zibeon O. Field, a carpenter from Maine.
A particularly fine example of architectural style this fancy wedding cake Victorian has a decorative carved pediment and bargeboard, shingle facing, carved balustrade and . . . — — Map (db m52859) HM
On Washington Street at Fremont Street, on the right when traveling north on Washington Street.
Built in 1905 by Frederick C. Franck, Jr. (1873-1954). Santa Clara town trustee, businessman and son of Senator F.C. Franck. The Franck family owned this entire block. Maude Shuld Franck (1878-1960) his wife lived her until her death.
The house . . . — — Map (db m52856) HM
On Fremont Street at Jackson Street, on the right when traveling west on Fremont Street.
This large two story residence is a simplified version of a Queen Anne Victorian
constructed c. 1889. The house was purchased in 1923 by Mr. And Mrs. Henry Luke
Warburton, Sr. (son of Dr. Henry H. Warburton, Santa Clara's first doctor). H. L. . . . — — Map (db m154950) HM
On Market Street at Frederick Avenue on Market Street.
This Italianate style house was built in the 1870’s by the Henry Harris family. Harris was a California pioneer from England whose son, Albert, became a town trustee and director of the Santa Clara Valley Bank.
In 1906, Christian Lass, a . . . — — Map (db m52931) HM
Near Don Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
Arriving in Santa Clara in 1852, Dr. B.F. Headen bought 61 acres around the present Civic Center area. His daughter, Thomasine, and her husband Louis Albertson, built this home in 1913 to replace the original one. Lois Headen Inman inherited the . . . — — Map (db m52936) HM
Near Fremont Street at Main Street, on the right when traveling west.
American Colonial style adapted to California. Built in 1868 by Cary Peebles; purchased in 1882 by F. Greenleaf Houlton of Houlton, Maine, father of Mrs. Franklin Hichborn. Franklin Hichborn was a journalist and political writer of national fame . . . — — Map (db m52860) HM
On Lick Mill Boulevard at Mansion Park Drive, on the right when traveling north on Lick Mill Boulevard.
On this site, located just east of this marker, is the historic James Lick Mansion and complex of 19th century residential and industrial structure. The major historical structures are a brick granary and mill-pond from the original mill built by . . . — — Map (db m220129) HM
The Jamison-Brown House is significant due to its architectural and historical associations with two well known Santa Clara families. The architecture is important since it shows the changes in a building that was originally constructed in the 1860s . . . — — Map (db m52934) HM
On Catherine Street at Pierce Street on Catherine Street.
This unique Greek Revival Pioneer style farmhouse was built around 1860 by John and Teresita Fatjo. The square turret and ornate veranda are later Vicorian additions.
The Fatjo family were prominent merchants in Santa Clara. John’s father Antonio . . . — — Map (db m52906) HM
On Main Street south of Fremont Street, on the left when traveling south.
Believed built 1850s of precut lumber from Maine shipped around the Horn. I.B. Johnson was squatter on entire block 1849. Town board gave him title in 1852 for fifteen dollars. — — Map (db m52861) HM
On Main Street south of Fremont Street, on the right when traveling south.
Built in 1892-93 by Isabella and James Kersell, who was originally in the plumbing and tinning business and later a manager for C.C. Morse and Company. Owners between 1900 and 1942 included Anne. B. Smith, Hilda Beattie and William and Mathilda . . . — — Map (db m52862) HM
On Homestead Road at Lincoln Street on Homestead Road.
This significant late Queen Anne style Victorian was built in 1889 and restored in 1986. It features fish scale shingles with gable pediments, molded cornices, recessed eaves, and carved brackets. Owned by William Andres in 1889, subsequent owners . . . — — Map (db m52933) HM
Built in 1875 by Andrew J. Landrum, a carpenter. Of exceptionally good construction, this house is considered a very good example of the architecture of the period. — — Map (db m52897) HM
On Mansion Park Drive east of Lick Mill Boulevard, on the left when traveling east.
This granary is a remnant of the lavish mahogany paneled flour mill built by James Lick on this site between 1855 and 1857. This circular brick structure is 66 feet in diameter, with walls 2 feet thick and 22 feet high.
The mill’s four large . . . — — Map (db m220212) HM
On Santa Clara Street at Main Street on Santa Clara Street.
Two story classic Georgian Colonial Revival rests on solid redwood foundation. Built before 1870 by Luis Arguello, son of first governor of California under Mexican Rule.
1901 residence and office of Dr. George H. Worrall, DDS., long time . . . — — Map (db m52899) HM
These four roses are dedicated to those who lost their lives or were affected by the attack on the united states and the world on September 11, 2001. The peach "sunset celebration” rose commemorates Deora Bodley, Santa Clara student, class of 2003. . . . — — Map (db m195452) HM
This site is what remains of the original Mission Santa Clara corral, which once covered about 6 acres and was enclosed by an adobe wall.
In 1847, marking the transition from Spanish/Mexican mission to American town, William Campbell mapped the . . . — — Map (db m52900) HM
Santa Clara, the first california mission to honor a woman, Clare of Assisi, as its patron saint, was founded nearby on the Guadalupe River on January 12, 1777. It once had the largest Indian population of any California mission. Floods and . . . — — Map (db m81869) HM
On Lincoln Street at Catherine Street on Lincoln Street.
Built 1895 - 1897 by real estate magnate John Center for his niece, Margaret Center Morgan.
A Victorian style house with a gable on hip main roof, pedimented bay pavilion, twin doghouse dormers and horizontal siding, built of wood shipped . . . — — Map (db m52904) HM
On Fremont Street at Washington Street, on the right when traveling west on Fremont Street.
Victorian style house built in 1892 for Charles Copeland Morse, a house painter and co-founder of Ferry-Morse Seed Company, who occupied it a short time before moving to San Juan Bautista. — — Map (db m52858) HM
Old Adobe Wall
built in 1822
Adobe apartment & work shops
with veranda -corridor &
tilted roof faced the
mission patio
Olive Trees
planted in 1822
mark line of old south wall
of adobe apartment. — — Map (db m195455) HM
On Jackson Street south of Benton Street, on the left when traveling south.
[There is no inscription on this maker other than the title. The marker consists of three panels of photographs with captions.][Panel 1:]
Photo 1 - Upper Left:
Franklin and Main Streets formed the business hub of early . . . — — Map (db m52865) HM
Preserved herein is a portion of the Original cross first erected by Fray Tomas de la Peña, O.F.M. before the entrance to the first Mission Santa Clara de Asis January 12, 1777. — — Map (db m195449) HM
On Lafayette Street near El Camino Real, on the right when traveling north.
Bicentennial
1845 – 1995
In recognition of the efforts of the citizens of the City of Santa Clara and the members of the Santa Clara Council #84.
This event started with the Drum & Bugle Corps of Y.M.I. in 1945, and expanded to feature . . . — — Map (db m64940) HM
Erected by the Citizens of Santa Clara in Honor of Professor John J Montgomery. The father of Aviation who from this spot sent aloft on April 29, 1905, the first heavier than air glider in controlled flight and maintained equilibrium. — — Map (db m195457) HM
On Benton Street at Jackson Street, on the left when traveling east on Benton Street.
This Queen Anne house with characteristic corner tower was built around 1895 by Robert Menzel (1847-1923). A Prussian immigrant, he founded Menzel Hardware Company in 1875.
Menzel served on the Santa Clara Board of Education, Library Trustees . . . — — Map (db m52863) HM
Believed built in 1881-2 by pioneer Calvin Russell, a carpenter, who came to Santa Clara in 1852.
In 1891 bought by John G. Robinson, who was one of the first druggists in Santa Clara and chairman and member of the Board of Library Trustees for 30 . . . — — Map (db m52903) HM
On Lafayette Street just south of Lewis Street, on the left when traveling south.
The Portuguese men and women of Santa Clara founded this building, commonly known as the S.E.S. Hall, in 1896. This fraternal organization was created as a means of communication and socialization. It gave the Portuguese community a place to meet, . . . — — Map (db m54026) HM
On El Camino Real, on the right when traveling north.
Bronze statue cast by ancient lost wax process in Italy 1965. Saint Clare is Patron Saint of Santa Clara. Statue was shipped by boat around Cape Horn to Santa Clara. — — Map (db m26971) HM
On El Camino Real at Lincoln Street, on the left when traveling south on El Camino Real.
After armed confrontation nearby on January 2, 1847, and a truce meeting the following day, Marine Capt. Ward Marston, commander of the United States expeditionary force, and Francisco Sánchez, leader of the Mexican-Californian ranchers, agreed to a . . . — — Map (db m57844) HM
Near Railroad Avenue near El Camino Real (California Highway 82).
Members of Mountain Charlie, Chapter No. 1850, E. Clampus Vitus, commend the South Bay Historical Railroad Society for their volunteer efforts in restoring the Santa Clara Depot.
Constructed in 1863 for the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad, it . . . — — Map (db m24284) HM
Near Railroad Avenue near El Camino Real (California Highway 82).
The Santa Clara Depot, built in 1864, was an original waystation on the San Francisco & San Jose Railroad Line. Originally built on the east side of the tracks, the depot was moved in 1877 to its present location so it would be on the same side of . . . — — Map (db m24288) HM
On El Camino Real near Palm Drive, on the right when traveling south.
Founded in 1777, the Santa Clara Mission was moved here after flooding of the first two churches. Construction was begun in 1781 under Jose Murguia and the Mission was dedicated by Junipero Serra in 1784.
The adobe structure was damaged by an . . . — — Map (db m24313) HM
On Benton Street at Railroad Avenue, on the left when traveling north on Benton Street.
The Santa Clara Tower, built by the Southern Pacific Railroad went into service in 1927. Located at the junction of the Coast and Western Divisions, the tower controlled signals and switches at the north end of the Newhall yard. Historic passenger . . . — — Map (db m68912) HM
This adobe, among the oldest in Santa Clara Valley, was one of several continuous rows of homes built in 1792–1800 as dwellings for the indian families of Mission Santa Clara. It links the Franciscan padres’ labors with California of today. — — Map (db m200836) HM
Near Lincoln Street near Bellomy Street, on the right when traveling north.
Secundino Robles
c. 1811-1890
María Antonia García
c. 1816-1896
Here lie a Don and Doña.
Proud Californios who shaped this region
under Spanish, Mexican, and United States governance. In 1824, at age thirteen, Secundino discovered an . . . — — Map (db m218886) HM
On Washington Street south of Fremont Street, on the left when traveling south.
First home of State Senator Frederich Christian Franck, 1826-1902. Came from Baveria in 1855. He was a civic leader & town trustee for eight consecutive years; member of the volunteer fire department from 1856, and elected Chief Engineer 1875-1881. . . . — — Map (db m52905) HM
On El Camino Real near Lincoln Street, on the right when traveling south.
The Battle of Santa Clara was the only campaign fought in the Northern district of California between Californios and United States forces during the Mexican-American war. In the 1840’s an oak forest grew near the present Lawrence Expressway, . . . — — Map (db m81727) HM
On Jefferson Street, on the left when traveling south.
The Berryessa Adobe was built at a crossroad in California history. When constructed in the 1840s, Spanish colonial building traditions were blending with American influences. The builders constructed adobe walls on stone foundations and used soil . . . — — Map (db m52932) HM
On Palm Drive just east of Alvisio Street, on the left when traveling east.
The fifth church facade has changed since 1825.
The Spanish Built the first church in 1825 with no decoration. Ten years later, figures of saints were painted on the church faced. Over the next 90 years the face was remolded twice. . . . — — Map (db m195447) HM
On Palm Drive east of Alvisio Street, on the left when traveling east.
In front of you is the site of the fifth Santa Clara de Asis Mission.
Floods, earthquakes and fires forced the Santa Clara de Asis Mission to move five times.
Today each of the mission sites are commemorated on the Santa . . . — — Map (db m195448) HM
On Mansion Park Drive east of Lick Mill Boulevard, on the right when traveling east.
James Lick was born in Pennsylvania in 1796. Lick came to San Francisco in 1848 after a successful career as a piano builder in South America. Shrewd real estate investments at the time of the Gold Rush made Lick the richest man in California by . . . — — Map (db m220214) HM
On Benton Street at Railroad Avenue, on the left when traveling north on Benton Street.
Built in 1928 and used around the clock until July 17, 1993 the Santa Clara Interlocking Control Tower is one of two Harriman Standard No. 4 towers in California.
The General Railway Signal Co. Model 2 unit, lever type interlocking machine on the . . . — — Map (db m68914) HM
On Lafayette Street at Reeve Street, on the right when traveling north on Lafayette Street.
This is the site of the former Santa Clara Walnut Growers Association. The main plant was constructed here in late 1926/1927 on land purchased from the Town of Santa Clara. Hard shell walnuts in the state of California can be dated as early as 1854. . . . — — Map (db m54027) HM
Red brick two-story built in 1891 by
county on town owned lot. County
wanted branch jail. Town wanted town
hall. County paid for first story.
Town paid for second. Demolished 1948.
Marker placed by order of
Santa Clara City Council
by . . . — — Map (db m154937) HM
On Bassett Street south of Ash Street, on the left when traveling south.
In 1876 the South Pacific Coast Narrow Gauge Railroad laid track between Alameda and Santa Cruz. Abram Agnew, who farmed 120 acres along the route, gave four acres to the railroad for a station and later laid out the town of Agnew.
The depot . . . — — Map (db m220220) HM
Near George Sellon Circle south of Palm Drive, on the right when traveling east.
Sun Microsystems bought the main parcel of Agnews’ historic building complex in 1996. They restored four of the main structures on Palm Drive: the clock tower, the auditorium, the superintendent’s residence, and an administration building. Sun . . . — — Map (db m220573) HM
On George Sellon Circle south of Palm Drive, on the right when traveling east.
Marker One:
For over a century, Agnews Hospital cared for those with mental illness and developmental disabilities. Established by an act of the legislature in 1885 as an asylum for the “insane,” its focus changed within a few years. When . . . — — Map (db m220572) HM
Near George Sellon Circle south of Palm Drive, on the right when traveling east.
The California Legislature established the California Hospital for the Chronic Insane in 1885. It was the third state hospital constructed strictly for the care of mentally ill people. Theodore Lenzen designed the first structures on the 323-acre . . . — — Map (db m220688) HM
Near George Sellon Circle south of Palm Drive, on the right when traveling east.
The 1906 Earthquake severely damaged most of the buildings at Agnews, causing the death of 106 patients and 11 staff. Director Stocking turned this tragedy into an opportunity to revolutionize patient care for the mentally ill. State Architect . . . — — Map (db m220686) HM
On George Sellon Circle east of Palm Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Erected 1908
George Sellon, State Architect in collaboration with
Dr. Leonard Stocking, Hospital Superintendent (1904-1931)
The Clocktower’s prominence as the terminus of Palm Drive conveyed the importance of treatment at the new hospital. . . . — — Map (db m220427) HM
On George Sellon Circle near Palm Drive, on the right when traveling east.
The 1971 Lanterman Act resulted in the return of the mentally ill to the community or other facilities and in 1972 Agnews officially became the Agnews Development Center. Activities and events such as Agnews Awareness Days encouraged interaction . . . — — Map (db m220520) HM
On George Sellon Circle at Palm Drive, on the right when traveling west on George Sellon Circle.
California State Architectural Department George Sellon, State Architect
The Superintendent’s Residence is a blend of the Arts & Crafts and Prairie School styles popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright. Arts & Crafts features include the exposed . . . — — Map (db m220429) HM
On George Sellon Circle at Palm Drive, on the right when traveling west on George Sellon Circle.
California State Architectural Department • George Sellon, State Architect
The Administration Building is an eclectic blend of architectural styles. Its smooth stucco walls with buttressed corners, semi-circular arched windows, brick detailing . . . — — Map (db m229648) HM
On George Sellon Circle east of Palm Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Agnews Main Building, a 5-story, red brick edifice, completed in 1888, was known as “The Great Asylum for the Insane”. The name Agnews came from nearby landowner, Abram Agnew.
The 1906 Earthquake leveled the 1888 structures. The present . . . — — Map (db m220334) HM
Near George Sellon Circle south of Palm Drive, on the right when traveling east.
Erected 1914
California State Architectural Department George Sellon, State Architect
The Auditorium is one of the more ornate Mediterranean Revival / Arts & Crafts style hospital buildings. Its grand two story, semi-circular arches and . . . — — Map (db m220333) HM
Here lies Captain Harry Love, who with a troop of twenty others, on July 25, 1853 allegedly killed bandits Joaquin Murrieta and Three Fingered Jack near Arroyo de Cantua, Fresno County, California.
Born in Vermont, Love first visited Alta . . . — — Map (db m24122) HM
[Side 1 of Obelisk:]
Rev. Isaac Owen
First Superintendent
of the
Methodist Episcopal
Church in California
Born in Vermont
March 9, 1809
Died in San Francisco
Feb. 9, 1866
[Side 2 of Obelisk:]
Elizabeth . . . — — Map (db m24267) HM
On De La Cruz Boulevard at Martin Avenue, on the right when traveling east on De La Cruz Boulevard. Reported permanently removed.
Second site 1799–1784 Mission Santa Clara de Asis.
Original site January 12, 1777 founded by the Franciscan Fathers 967 yards north, 334 yards south of Bayshore Highway Bridge No. 37–64. — — Map (db m195668) HM
Near Lincoln Street south of Bellomy Street, on the left when traveling south.
John, the youngest of the twelve apostles, and his brother James were mending fishing nets when Jesus called to them, “ Come follow me!” From that time on they became His faithful and constant companions. John was the only one who stayed with Mary . . . — — Map (db m220643) HM
Near Lincoln Street south of Bellomy Street, on the left when traveling south.
Luke was one of the earliest converts to the Faith and a constant companion of St. Paul. A physician by profession and a skilled painter, he is attributed with creating many pictures of Jesus and Mary. Luke was the author of the third Gospel and . . . — — Map (db m220641) HM
Near Lincoln Street south of Bellomy Street, on the left when traveling south.
Mark was converted by Peter and accompanied him to Rome, acting as his secretary and interpreter. Mark put into writing the accounts of Peter’s talks on our Lord’s life. He is represented by a lion because his Gospel begins with a reference to St. . . . — — Map (db m220576) HM
Near Lincoln Street south of Bellomy Street, on the left when traveling south.
Matthew seemed an unlikely person for Jesus to select as an apostle. He was a tax collector and an agent of the Roman Government. The members of this profession, well renowned for their greed, were disliked and shunned by the Jewish people. Yet . . . — — Map (db m220526) HM
