SeeCalifornia.com

On March 30, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at the Plaza city officials and community members celebrate Watsonville, California’s 150th birthday since its incorporation on March 30, 1868. The free event includes cake, live music and special activities for the whole community to enjoy. Other events are planned throughout the year, such as a Wine, Beer and Art Walk, a community concert and a time capsule event.

Watsonville Memories

1. In 1851, Judge John H. Watson arrived in the Pajaro Valley claiming to own some of Sebastian Rodriguez’ property. The city is named for the judge.

2. The same year it was founded, famous resident Charley Parkhurst made history as the first woman to vote in a national election. Almost everyone thought the stagecoach driver was a male until her death in 1879. You can visit her grave and tombstone at 66 Marin Street, Watsonville, just 13 miles south of where she cast her historic ballot.

3. In 1868 Stephen Matinelli introduced fermented apple cider made from apples grown on his brother’s Watsonville farm. With warm reception, S. Martinelli & Company was founded. (For 150 years since 1868, Martinelli’s has been located in Watsonville, where three facilities span over 600,000 square feet on 30 acres.)

4. By the turn of the 20th century, Watsonville became one of the most important locations for apple production in the United States. By 1909, Watsonville held the title as Largest Apple Annual Event worldwide. People from all over the U.S. and world rushed to Watsonville to experience its culture, activities and festivities that celebrated this community’s rich and vibrant apple industry.

5. Throughout Watsonville’s history, many groups and individuals have worked together to build and shape this vibrant community featuring a strawberry festival, factory sale and other great events.