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Prior
to the arrival of Spanish expeditions en route from Mexico, peaceful
tribes of Indians inhabited the lush Santa Clara Valley. Under Spanish
and Mexican jurisdictions, which were instituted in 1778, a vast region
that includes present day Morgan Hill remained one of the most substantial
Spanish land grants for nearly three quarters of a Century.
In 1845, Martin Murphy Sr. acquired 9,000 acres known as the Rancho
Ojo de Aqua de la Coche. Murphy had been a leader of the first party
of pioneers to cross the Sierra Nevada range at Truckee Pass, later
to become the route for the Southern Pacific Railroad. The Murphy
family made its home in the valley below El Toro Mountain. By 1870,
Martin's seven sons and daughters had managed to acquire more than
70,000 acres.
In 1851, the youngest son, Daniel, married Maria Fisher, heiress to
the neighboring 19,000 acre Rancho Laguna Seca. Diana, their precocious
daughter secretly married Hiram Morgan Hill in 1882. When Daniel Murphy
died, Diana inherited 4,500 acres of their original rancho in the
shadow of El Toro.
Diana and Hiram Morgan Hill built their estate, the Villa Mira Monte,
between the railroad and Monterey Road in 1886. When the first Southern
Pacific station was built in 1898, the railroad referred to this area
as Huntington. Many visitors would request the train stop at "Morgan
Hill's Ranch", changing the name to Morgan Hill.
By 1896, the growing community had a population of 250 with a post
office, depot, two hotels, a restaurant and several churches and shops.
There was much controversy over the incorporation of the city. The
Times printed many editorials supporting the issue, those opposed
were fearful of higher taxes. But the yes vote won by a margin of
65-36 and Morgan Hill became incorporated November 10, 1906. By 1909,
the population had rose from 250 to 1000 as people became aware of
the magnificence of Morgan Hill. |
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Villa Mira Monte
The Morgan Hill Historical Society offers tours of The Hiram Morgan
Hill House, the original estate of Diana and Hiram Morgan Hill,
an 1884 Victorian of charm, character and atmosphere. It now serves
as a museum and a social and business Event Center. The splendid
garden grounds, verandah, and country charm make this the perfect
place for weddings, private events, dinner parties, corporate events
and more. For more information, please call 408-782-5755.
Morgan
Hill Museum
A fascinating history of the City of Morgan Hill and its surroundings
is on display. Hundreds of artifacts and photographs tell the story
of the City's development through the years. Located next to The
Hiram Morgan Hill House.
contact 408-782-5755.
Morgan
Hill Historical Society
P.O. Box 1258, Morgan Hill, CA 95038
Museum 782-5755
Villa Mira Monte 782-5755
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