An Industry Grown of Fertile Soil

Source Document: “Gilroy – The Most Favored Section of Santa Clara Valley”
Published: 1888 for the Gilroy Board of Trade
Author: E.S. Harrison
Full URL: No On-Line Access. Referred to in the City of Gilroy Historic Context Statement
Prepared by Dudek January 2019

Introductory Excerpt

“The most favored section of California does not excel Gilroy in natural advantages or the requirements of a home. The soil is very fertile, needs no irrigation, and produces abundant crops of everything that grows in the temperate zone. The climate is equable, salubrious and healthful. There is positively no malaria, and the town has never been scourged with an epidemic disease.

The country is composed of level valley, rolling hills and precipitous mountains, presenting a picturesque panorama with an almost infinite variety of views. It is only two hours and fifteen minutes from San Francisco by rail. Artesian well water in abundance makes the productive possibilities of Gilroy beyond anything heretofore attained. The fruit Industry has demonstrated that ten acres of land here is more valuable than one hundred acres located east of the Sierra. Ten acres of bearing fruit will support an ordinary family, and permit the accumulation of some money. Other kinds of farming are profitable besides orchards and vineyards. A variety of pursuits including the growing of cereal grains, vegetables, stock-raising, dairying etc.

The southern end of Santa Clara County is a territory unexcelled for climatic and sanitary advantages which constitute nature’s elements for a most desirable home. The valley here runs north and south, and is flanked on either side by rolling hills and mountains that serve as a barrier from harsh winds of the ocean. The Southern Pacific Railroad line is nearly complete to southern California and will become the a portion of the of transcontinental road known as the Sunset Route. The population of the city is 2,200 and with the surrounding tributary country is about 5,000 people. Ten times this population can easily be supported.

To conclude, there are many advantages possessed by Gilroy including:
– Its location on the Great Sunset of the Southern Pacific Railroad.
– It is a beautiful town, never muddy with broad streets, good schools and churches, and good society and government.
– For fertility and productiveness of its soils are equal to anywhere in the State and rainfall is adequate.
– The climate is unsurpassed for its health benefits.
– There is plenty of room for new settlers and land is comparatively cheap.”