Economic Development of the City of Santa Cruz, 1850-1950 by Susan Lehmann
Economic Development of the City of Santa Cruz, 1850-1950 By Susan Lehmann CONTENTS Overview Industrial Development: Lumber, Lime and Cement, Fishing Industrial Development: Tanneries Resort and Recreation Development: Waterfront, Beach, Boardwalk Resort and Recreation Development: Surfing, Other Recreational Sites Commercial Development: Downtown Business, Residential Development Commercial Development: Chinatown Transportation: Roads, Wharves and Piers Transportation: Railroads and Streetcars From: Fully Developed Context Statement for the City of Santa Cruz. Prepared for City of Santa Cruz Planning and Development Department. Prepared by Susan Lehmann, October 20, 2000. Chapter 3, Context I: Economic Development of the City of Santa Cruz 1850-1950. 1 OVERVIEW Years before the gold rush of 1849 brought about the transformation of California, several American adventurers had recognized the potential for development of Santa Cruz County's abundant natural resources. Known to the Mexican authorities as "foreigners," these men established the first industries in what was to become Santa Cruz County. With the coming of statehood for California in 1850, more Americans moved to the County, buying up Mexican land grants and establishing industrial plants at a number of locations. By 1879, Santa Cruz County had developed into a notable manufacturing area. There were five shipping points within the county limits, mills turned out 36 million board feet of lumber a year; five live kilns, employing over two hundred men, produced the highest quality lime for mortar in the state. There were four flour mills, a sugar manufacturing plant, a chair factory, a glue factory and several tanneries. The largest and most important of the County's manufacturing facilities was the California Powder Works located on the San Lorenzo River in what is now Paradise Park.
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