Watsonville & the Pajaro Valley
Strawberry Capital & Agricultural Heart of the County · Santa Cruz County
Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley sit at the agricultural crossroads of Santa Cruz County, where rich bottomland and a mild climate have made the area one of California's most productive farming regions. From 19th-century apple orchards to today's vast strawberry fields, Watsonville's story is the story of California agriculture.
Timeline
City Founded
Watsonville is founded in 1852 by Judge John H. Watson and D.S. Gregory at a ford on the Pajaro River. The town quickly becomes the commercial hub of the fertile Pajaro Valley. Its Main Street, with handsome brick commercial buildings from the 1890s, retains much of its original character today.
The Apple Boom
The Pajaro Valley becomes one of the world's premier apple-growing regions. At its peak, the valley ships millions of boxes of Newtown Pippins to London and worldwide. The Apple Annual festival and agricultural fairs draw visitors from across the state. Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, and Mexican workers provide the labor that makes the industry possible.
Strawberry Capital
As apple production declines, strawberries and other berries take over as the dominant crop. Today, the Watsonville area produces a significant portion of America's strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. The community is predominantly Latino, and the annual celebrations, markets, and cultural events reflect this vibrant heritage. Watsonville's agricultural output exceeds $1 billion annually.
Visit these historical sites
Real places in our directory connected to Watsonville & the Pajaro Valley.
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