Site of 21-Mile House

The bronze calls the stopping station destroyed, and its keeper's name now belongs to a shopping center. William Tennant, whose family came from County Wexford, bought the house in 1852, rebuilt it after a fire, and ran it as Tennant Station. The Tennant Station shopping center across the road opened in November 1981, seven months before this plaque was dedicated. The state geologist William Brewer camped under the old oaks here in 1861, 1862 and 1864. A 1990 bronze beneath this one credits three donors with the park improvements.

What the plaque says

Site of 21-Mile House This famous tavern and stage stop was located 21 miles from San Jose on the road to Monterey. The 21-Mile House was built in 1852 by William Host beneath a spreading oak that later was called the Vasquez Tree. The house was sold to William Tennant in November 1852. Now destroyed, this stopping station was a place where horses could be changed, fed, and stabled, and where tired and hungry passengers could refresh themselves. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 259 Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the California Pioneers of Santa Clara County and Mountain Charlie Chapter No. 1850, E Clampus Vitus. June 12, 1982

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs Resort — 9.0 mi
• New Almaden — 11 mi
• Site of First Mining in California — 11 mi
• Montgomery Hill — 15 mi