At this location, an “El Camino Real” mission bell marker previously stood. Its removal was requested by the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, descendants of the indigenous peoples taken to the Santa Cruz and San Juan Bautista missions.
In November of . . . — — Map (db m203217) HM
In honor of the all Black
Coast Artillery Army
Regiment that aided in
protecting the California
coast from enemy attack
during World War II
These members remained in
Santa Cruz after the war:
Chaplin Baskerville
John Bowen . . . — — Map (db m98046) WM
The Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf opened in 1914. Secured by 2,000 Douglas-fir pilings driven 21 feet into the ocean floor, it is 2,745 feet long, or more than half a mile. It is the longest wooden pier in the United States.
The Wharf evolved from a . . . — — Map (db m201630) HM
What began in the “Summer of Love” as a teenage crush has grown into a successful family, spanning two generations. Kathy and Marshall Miller met as teenagers when they both worked at the Boardwalk in the 1960s. They began their first . . . — — Map (db m62795) HM
Santa Cruz County
1894
Abbot Row Houses
Designed by VanCleeck for Wm. T. Cope
Saved from demolition 1973 by Chuck Abbott
Extensively restored by Jorge Jara
Historical Trust Landmark — — Map (db m205171) HM
Founder Publisher and Editor
Santa Cruz Surf
Brilliant in mind, just in judgment, valiant in spirit, for forty years leader in initiative thought and action for the public welfare.
He rests here in the place of his choice under the shadows . . . — — Map (db m62436) HM
The first Miss California Pageant took place at the Boardwalk in 1924, drawing huge crowds. The pageant moved to the Civic Auditorium in 1966. Santa Cruz enjoyed the economic benefits of this popular event until 1985.
Faye Lanpheir, Miss . . . — — Map (db m62812) HM
The Santa Cruz Beach was changed forever in 1904 when promoter and entrepreneur Fred Swanton hosted the grand opening of the Neptune Casino, a Moorish-style wonder and wedding cake of a building. The Casino was destroyed by fire in June of 1906. . . . — — Map (db m62796) HM
The timeless and picturesque Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has “starred” in everything from industrial films, commercials, and music videos to made-for-TV movies and feature-length big-screen releases. — — Map (db m62825) HM
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is still going strong 100 years after it first began entertaining visitors. The company has successfully adapted with the times and grown in a way that still fits within the local community. The entire Santa Cruz Beach . . . — — Map (db m201638) HM
This is the location of one of the last known bull and bear rings in California, where the animals were placed in a wooden stockade and local settlers would bet on the outcome of their fight.
Bull and Bear fights were brought to Santa Cruz by . . . — — Map (db m100961) HM
The restaurant now called Surf City Grill has been known by other names and owned by several families over the years. In spite of these changes, it remains a favorite for satisfying the appetites of visitors, ravenous after a day at the Boardwalk. — — Map (db m62815) HM
James Williams
California Pioneer
James Williams, age 29 and a native of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, emigrated overland to California in 1843 along with his three brothers – John, age 25; Isaac, age 20; and Squire, age 19 – in a . . . — — Map (db m62440) HM
Santa Cruz County
ca. 1872-1910
Carmelita Cottages
Homes of sea captain Timothy Dame, saloonkeeper Thomas V. Johnson, & opera singer J. Henry Thompson
Historical Trust Landmark — — Map (db m212388) HM
City of Santa Cruz
Fire Department
Administration / Operations / Prevention Offices
City Council Groundbreaking: August 2000
Keith Sugar (Mayor) • Tim Fitzmaurice (Vice-Mayor) • Katherine Beiers • Michael Hernandez • . . . — — Map (db m205077) HM
Santa Cruz
Cliff Crest
1887 D. A. Damkroeger, Arch.
later remodeled for William T. Jeter
early conservationist
Historical Society — — Map (db m212507) HM
Santa Cruz
Cope House
1877 Italianate • W.H. Burrows, Arch.
Wedding Gift of F.A. Hihn to his daughter Katie.
Historical Society — — Map (db m205048) HM
The Boardwalk has a celebrated history of providing beach visitors with the ultimate in thrills and entertainment. This world-class venue featured amazing acts, from the turn-of-the-century water carnival's Slide for Life daredevils and world . . . — — Map (db m183101) HM
Historic Landmark
1921
Fachutar House, Music Shop and Concert Hall
Allen Collins, Architect
Built by Salvator Fachutar and Francess Bagnell Fachutar
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History — — Map (db m205168) HM
Historic Landmark
1934
Fachutar House of Perfume
1934-1936
Site of flower drying for perfume business
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History — — Map (db m205166) HM
At the turn of the century, lounging couples covered the beach much as they do today. But the women were fully dressed, and men wore hats and coats. Laws prohibited sitting on the beach in bathing attire.
Today, from bikinis to tankinis, women’s . . . — — Map (db m62816) HM
First Services Held in this Church
A.D. June 29, 1864
In acknowledgement of the contribution to the cultural heritage of California represented by this building the California Heritage Council presents this Award of Recognition
1971
Calvary . . . — — Map (db m203257) HM
The Fitzsimmons & Twisselman families have been operating their concessions at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk since 1934. Over the years, Charles J. Fitzsimmons moved from games to retail food. Today, Charles’s grandson, Matt Twisselman, continues . . . — — Map (db m62829) HM
Santa Cruz County
1866
Geo. Peckner Cash Store
Thomas Beck, Architect
Also built Peckner’s branch store at Pacific and Mission Streets
Historical Trust Landmark — — Map (db m212569) HM
An intellectual, humanitarian and suffragist, Georgiana raised her family in this house from 1854 until her death in 1887. Born in England and educated in the East by America’s leading thinkers and writers. She brought to California an intellectual . . . — — Map (db m202234) HM
Santa Cruz County
1860s
German-Methodist Parsonage
(Former John Werner House)
Gothic Vernacular Style
Moved to this site in 1905
Historical Trust Landmark
This Building Professionally Restored
Circa 1990 . . . — — Map (db m205370) HM
The Giant Dipper roller coaster, with its trademark red and white structure, spectacular view of the Monterey Bay, and speedy dips and curves, keeps generations of riders coming back for more.
The Giant Dipper has thrilled over 50 million . . . — — Map (db m62827) HM
Creating the right balance between old and new rides is key to the Boardwalk’s success. From the 1911 Looff Carousel to the 2005 Double Shot Tower, rides are carefully selected to make good use of space, appeal to visitors of all ages, and always . . . — — Map (db m201648) HM
Santa Cruz
Hinds House
1888, Stick-Eastlake
John H. Williams, Arch. Home of real estate developer Alfred J. Hinds
Historical Society — — Map (db m205298) HM
The Santa Cruz City Hall was designed by Charles J. Ryland in the Monterey Colonial Revival architecture style. The building was dedicated in 1938, but was damaged in the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. The rededication of the refurbished City Hall was . . . — — Map (db m203242) HM
The history of surfing in Santa Cruz can be traced in part to the Santa Cruz Surfing Club, founded in 1936. The following members were among the first in this area to experience the thrill of conquering a wave.
Jim Alumbauch Bill . . . — — Map (db m112987) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m62438) HM
The original building on this site was a two-story clapboard parsonage of a Congregational minister. Chinatown was directly to the south.
The Alta Building Followed. It was erected in 1889 by Fredrick Hihn and was a two-story structure with . . . — — Map (db m212374) HM
Historic Landmark
1896
John G. Tanner Love Nest
Gift to bride Mollie Bowen
Le Baron R. Olive, Architect
Eastlake Style
The Museum of Art & History
This Building Professionally Restored
Circa 1990 by . . . — — Map (db m205127) HM
Honoring the Italian-American Contribution to Santa Cruz County
Italian immigrants sacrificed and sometimes barely survived to enable their children and their grandchildren to take full advantage of the American Dream. Second and third generation . . . — — Map (db m212508) HM
With its natural beauty and rich coastal resources…
Santa Cruz has always attracted a diverse group of people whose cultural roots form the essence of this unique community. One such group, the Italians, have made lasting contributions that have . . . — — Map (db m212511) HM
Farming has always been an important economic activity along the North Coast. Agriculture has long been a valuable economic resource for the North Coast. The fog-cooled climate provided an ideal match for artichokes, broccoli, and brussel sprouts . . . — — Map (db m212566) HM
Here lie the remains of Marie Holmes, a lady of the night, who on the evening of May 5, 1898, met a lonely and untimely end with the quaffing of carbolic acid. Born in England, she resided in San Francisco, Salinas and Watsonville before spending . . . — — Map (db m52359) HM
Generations of kids have enjoyed feeding Leo their litter. He worked here from 1965-2001 before retiring. Leo was fully restored by Boardwalk Maintenance and returned in 2019. The paper-eating lion was designed by Harry J. Batt Associates, operator . . . — — Map (db m201635) HM
Historic Landmark
1912
Thomas Burns, Builder
Leon & Jeanette Rowland Residence 1929-1977
Santa Cruz Historians
The Museum of Art & History — — Map (db m212576) HM
Historic Landmark
1877
Lewis and Maggie McCornick House
Master Builder’s First Home
Built as a gift for his bride on their Christmas Day wedding
The Museum of Art & History — — Map (db m205064) HM
Santa Cruz County
1905 – 1920
Lincoln Court
AN excellent example of Calif. Bungalow Court
Built for Morris Abrams
Historical Landmark
This Building Professionally Restored
Circa 1990 by
Michael . . . — — Map (db m205302) HM
Historic Landmark
1930
London Nelson Community Center
William Weeks, Architect
Laurel Street School, 1931-1974
Louden Nelson Center, 1979-2021
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History — — Map (db m205572) HM
Born a slave May 5, 1800 on a North Carolina plantation, Louden (London) Nelson worked the cotton fields until his master, Matthew Nelson brought him to the 1849 California Gold Rush. After securing his freedom, he arrived in Santa Cruz in 1856. . . . — — Map (db m62439) HM
In Honor of
Louden Nelson
1800 – 1860
An ex-slave who left his estate to Santa Cruz Schools. He believed in education for all people. — — Map (db m203235) HM
Whether you call it a merry-go-round, carousel, or whirlgig, visitors have always been enchanted with the Boardwalk’s oldest ride. At the grand opening of the “hippodrome,” as the carousel and its building were called, one hundred rocking chairs . . . — — Map (db m62814) HM
Historic Landmark
circa 1870s
Matilda Dreher Home,
Greek Vernacular Style
Part of six block farm of pioneer Dreher Family
The Museum of Art & History — — Map (db m205373) HM
Marker One:
In Memory
of Our
High School Students
Who Made the Supreme Sacrifice in the World War
Gift of the Class of ‘23
Marker Two:
Memorial Field
Dedicated May 9, 1924 to the . . . — — Map (db m205172) WM
In 1959 Jack O'Neill came with his family to Santa Cruz and opened his 500 square foot "Surf Shop” at this location, just above Cowell Beach. The Surf Shop was O'Neill's first retail store in Santa Cruz, offering custom built foam surfboards . . . — — Map (db m123878) HM
A Brief History
In the mid-1800’s, the Pacific Garden Mall was simply known as “Pacific.” The corner now occupied by the Old Theatre Building contained a picturesque little pond shaded by a mammoth sycamore. Also under the tree was . . . — — Map (db m63268) HM
Historic Landmark
1926
Parr Apartments
Established in 1929 and expanded to entire house in 1933
Depression era rentals
The Museum of Art & History
This building Professionally Restored
Circa 1990 by . . . — — Map (db m205125) HM
Historic Landmark
1906
Patrick Neary Building
Edward Van Cleeck, Architect
Richardsonian Romanesque
The Museum of Art & History — — Map (db m212378) HM
Santa Cruz County
1912
Piedmont Court
William Bray, Architect
Mission Revival apartments with Moorish influence built by Pedro B. Chisem, Mexican capitalist
Historical Trust Landmark — — Map (db m203156) HM
Santa Cruz County
1902
Progressive Baptist Hall & Parsonage
Built as All Souls Unitarian Parsonage
Edward Van Cleeck, Arch.
Historical Trust Landmark — — Map (db m203260) HM
Santa Cruz
Reese House
1892 Eastlake-Queen Anne
One of a mirror-image pair built by M.A. Reese for his family
Historical Society — — Map (db m205130) HM
Remembering Chinese Pioneers
The Santa Cruz Chinese community buried over 80 people at Evergreen Cemetery. It was customary for specialized 'bone pickers' to later exhume bones and send them home
to China. Some Chinese remain buried here. . . . — — Map (db m132265) HM
