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History of Salinas, California, USA
Journey back in time to Salinas, California, USA
Explore Salinas, California, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Salinas Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
Salinas, Monterey, CA
In 1854, six years after becoming a part of the United States, a group of American settlers living in the vicinity of this route-junction opened a post office at the junction, which had been built over the salty marshes of the Alisal Slough, thus calling their town Salinas, meaning "salty marshes" in Spanish. Soon thereafter, in 1856, a traveler's inn called the Halfway House was opened at that junction in Salinas. (The nearby Salinas River, was apparently only later named by an American cartographer, after the nearest town of Salinas in 1858. Previously that river had gone by the name: "Rio de Monterey."). The streets of Salinas were laid out in 1867, and the town was incorporated in 1874.
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Salinas Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Salinas, California, USA
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![Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fPlaces%2fDetails%2f1669&media=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fContent%2fancestorimages%2fsalinas_ca_3.jpg&description=Salinas, California, USA - The Spreckels Sugar Beet Refinery, Near Salinas, Cal
"Claus Spreckels’ first introduction to the San Joaquin Valley was as a railroad builder. He built the San Francisco & San Joaquin Railroad, which ran from Fresno to Stockton on what is now the Santa Fe track. Spreckels built this railroad in order to give Southern Pacific a run for their money.
In 1896, Spreckels began contracting with growers for beets for the Salinas Factory. Local area growers signed up for only 5,000 out of a needed 30,000 acres to support construction of a factory. During this same time Woodland growers pledged 40,000 acres to Spreckels in an effort to locate a factory in Yolo County. Spreckels used that information to leverage the Salinas growers by giving them a two-week ultimatum of 30,000 acres or he was building in Woodland. Salinas growers pledged the full acreage and the factory was begun..."
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The Spreckels Sugar Beet Refinery, Near Salinas, Cal
"Claus Spreckels’ first introduction to the San Joaquin Valley was as a railroad builder. He built the San Francisco & San Joaquin Railroad, which ran from Fresno to Stockton on what is now the Santa Fe track. Spreckels built this railroad in order to give Southern Pacific a run for their money.
In 1896, Spreckels began contracting with growers for beets for the Salinas Factory. Local area growers signed up for only 5,000 out of a needed 30,000 acres to support construction of a factory. During this same time Woodland growers pledged 40,000 acres to Spreckels in an effort to locate a factory in Yolo County. Spreckels used that information to leverage the Salinas growers by giving them a two-week ultimatum of 30,000 acres or he was building in Woodland. Salinas growers pledged the full acreage and the factory was begun..."
www.spreckelssugar.com
Salinas, California, USA
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Salinas, California, USA
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Salinas Cal Coast Line
Salinas, California, USA
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Discover Unique Gift Ideas from or related to Salinas
California Dreamin' Ancestry Coffee Mug - Genealogy
Showcasing a witty caption that reads, "I'm from California! That explains a lot about my love for surfing at sunrise and wine tasting at sunset," this mug is designed to bring a smile to your face with every sip.
Lake Tahoe Shower Curtain - Crystal Clear Waters with Mark Twain Quote - Nature-Inspired Bathroom Décor
Transform your bathroom into a serene escape with this Lake Tahoe Shower Curtain, featuring the breathtaking crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe and an inspiring quote from Mark Twain. Whether you want to relive your favorite Tahoe memories, bring the beauty of the lake inside your home, or add a stunning touch to your Lake Tahoe vacation rental, this shower curtain is the perfect addition to any nature lover’s space. Designed to complement a Lake Tahoe home, it enhances the ambiance with a refreshing, tranquil vibe that captures the lake’s timeless allure.
Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug
Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
Discover Salinas: History, News, Travel, and Stories
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1883 - EMPIRE MILL BURNED.
SALINAS CITY, AUGUST 2d.--At two o'clock this morning the watchman discovered the Empire Mill in Flames. The fire had made such headway that it has impossible for the fire department to save anything. It was undoubtedly the act of an incendiary, who did his work well, as one of the proprietors, who with his family lives a house just outside of the mill yard, was not aroused till the bell rang the alarm. The mill and machinery are a total loss. The building was owned by Brown Bros. of Prescott, A. T. Loss, $2,000; no insurance. The machinery was owned by Holoway & Hudson. Loss, $5,000; insured in the Western for $1,000.
San Francisco Bulletin
San Francisco, California
August 2, 1883
SALINAS CITY, AUGUST 2d.--At two o'clock this morning the watchman discovered the Empire Mill in Flames. The fire had made such headway that it has impossible for the fire department to save anything. It was undoubtedly the act of an incendiary, who did his work well, as one of the proprietors, who with his family lives a house just outside of the mill yard, was not aroused till the bell rang the alarm. The mill and machinery are a total loss. The building was owned by Brown Bros. of Prescott, A. T. Loss, $2,000; no insurance. The machinery was owned by Holoway & Hudson. Loss, $5,000; insured in the Western for $1,000.
San Francisco Bulletin
San Francisco, California
August 2, 1883
1895 - Salinas
Salinas, a post-town, capital of Monterey co., Cal., in Alisal township, on the Salinas River, and on the Southern Pacific Railroad, 118 miles S.S.E. of San Francisco, and about 18 miles E. of Monterey. It has a bank, 2 newspaper offices, 6 churches, and several factories. Pop. in 1880, 1854; in 1890, 2339.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Salinas, a post-town, capital of Monterey co., Cal., in Alisal township, on the Salinas River, and on the Southern Pacific Railroad, 118 miles S.S.E. of San Francisco, and about 18 miles E. of Monterey. It has a bank, 2 newspaper offices, 6 churches, and several factories. Pop. in 1880, 1854; in 1890, 2339.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1906
Salinas, a banking city, capital of Monterey co., Cal., on the Salinas River and on the Southern Pacific R., 18 miles E. of Monterey. It is the centre of an agricultural and dairying region and is largely engaged in the sugar-beet growing industry. Pop. in 1890, 2339; in 1900, 3304.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
Salinas, a banking city, capital of Monterey co., Cal., on the Salinas River and on the Southern Pacific R., 18 miles E. of Monterey. It is the centre of an agricultural and dairying region and is largely engaged in the sugar-beet growing industry. Pop. in 1890, 2339; in 1900, 3304.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
1953 - September 11 - KSBW TV channel 8 in Salinas-Monterey, CA (NBC) begins broadcasting
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2023 - Salinas, California has a lot to offer! Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Salinas:
Steinbeck House:
Visit the historic home of Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck. It's a great place to learn about his life and work.
National Steinbeck Center:
Explore this museum dedicated to John Steinbeck. It showcases interactive exhibits and artifacts related to the author's life and his impact on American literature.
Salinas Valley Wine Country:
Take a wine tour in the beautiful Salinas Valley. There are numerous wineries offering tastings and scenic vineyard views.
Agricultural History Project Center and Museum:
Discover the rich agricultural history of the region at this museum. It's a great place to learn about the development of farming in the Salinas Valley.
Monterey Bay Aquarium:
While not directly in Salinas, it's just a short drive away. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a world-renowned facility with fascinating exhibits showcasing marine life.
Oldtown Salinas:
Wander through the historic Oldtown area, featuring charming architecture,... Read MORE...
Steinbeck House:
Visit the historic home of Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck. It's a great place to learn about his life and work.
National Steinbeck Center:
Explore this museum dedicated to John Steinbeck. It showcases interactive exhibits and artifacts related to the author's life and his impact on American literature.
Salinas Valley Wine Country:
Take a wine tour in the beautiful Salinas Valley. There are numerous wineries offering tastings and scenic vineyard views.
Agricultural History Project Center and Museum:
Discover the rich agricultural history of the region at this museum. It's a great place to learn about the development of farming in the Salinas Valley.
Monterey Bay Aquarium:
While not directly in Salinas, it's just a short drive away. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a world-renowned facility with fascinating exhibits showcasing marine life.
Oldtown Salinas:
Wander through the historic Oldtown area, featuring charming architecture,... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Salinas Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Salinas, California, USA
We currently have information about 7 ancestors who were born or died in Salinas.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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NOTE: If you don't know your ancestor's whole name or are unsure of the spelling, specify part of the name.Updated: 10/15/2023 10:02:53 AM