Branciforte

The bronze stands outside the Branciforte Small Schools campus, at the center of the last of Spain's three civil towns in Alta California. Governor Borica promised settlers houses, pay and tools; the first arrivals, convicts sent from Guadalajara, found nothing built and made their own huts. In 1818, with the privateer Bouchard off the coast, the padres and the mission's Indigenous people withdrew inland, and the villa's men were told to guard the mission across the river. They looted it, down to the clothes on the saints. Santa Cruz annexed the villa in 1905.

What the plaque says

Branciforte These school grounds were center of Villa de Branciforte founded in 1797 by Governor Diego de Borica of California on orders from Spain through Viceroy Branciforte in Mexico. Settlement existed as political entity until American occupancy of California. Remained as township until 1905 when annexed to city of Santa Cruz. State Registered Landmark No. 469 Marker placed by California Centennials Commission in cooperation with Santa Cruz County Historical Society. Dedicated November 17, 1950

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Site of Santa Cruz Mission — 0.9 mi
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk — 1.2 mi
• The Mystery Spot — 2.6 mi
• Camp Capitola Superintendent's Office — 3.5 mi