Historical Marker · No. 489
Moreland School
San Jose, Santa Clara County · California
Erected by California State Park Commission; monument base erected by Moreland School District, 1953
The bronze keeps count of how briefly the first teachers lasted: three months, then six. The third, Samuel Curtis Rogers, stayed two years and got the district a building by passing the hat. In three weeks of 1852 he collected $335 from neighbors toward Zechariah Moreland's house, which served as the schoolhouse until a new one went up on the corner in 1894. That school closed in 1949, and nothing of it remains. The district Rogers organized still runs schools, and a bell from the old school stands at its office door.
What the plaque says
Moreland School Oldest known rural school district in California. Established 1851 as subscription school, meeting in private homes. First teacher, Charles Lafollette, 1851, term three months. Abraham H. Featherman, 1852, term six months. Through efforts of Samuel Curtis Rogers, third teacher, 1852-1854, first public school building, formerly home of Zechariah Moreland, obtained 1852. In 1853 Rogers secured organization of school as Santa Clara Township School District No. 2. Renamed in Moreland's honor, 1862. Historical Landmark No. 489 California State Park Commission Monument base erected by Moreland School District. Dedicated November 6, 1953
Where it stands
37.30100, -121.97990 · Directions
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