Canal Farm Inn

Heinrich Kreiser became Henry Miller on a steamer ticket bought secondhand in New York and printed not transferable, and he kept the name. This was his San Joaquin headquarters from 1873, the center of a firm that came to own more than a million acres in three states, much of it bought from Mexican grant heirs pressed to sell at his price, and that won the water case Lux v. Haggin in 1886. The bronze credits his canals with the area's wealth. The house is a restaurant now, whose painted sign dates his birth a year early.

What the plaque says

Canal Farm Inn This original San Joaquin Valley ranch headquarters of California pioneer and cattle baron, Henry Miller (1827-1916), was established in 1873. His farsighted planning, development in the 1870's of a vast gravity irrigation system, and the founding of Los Banos (1889) provided the basis for the present stability and wealth of this area. Historical Landmark No. 548 Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with Los Banos Parlor No. 206, Native Sons of the Golden West August 19, 1956

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Los Banos — 0.8 mi
• Pacheco Pass — 15 mi
• Merced Assembly Center — 25 mi
• New Idria Mine — 34 mi