Watsonville stands on the former Bolsa de Pajaro land grant owned by Don Sebastian Rodriquez. The community was settled in 1852, incorporated in 1868, and came under charter in 1903. It was named for Judge John H. Watson, who lived in the area from 1851 to 1862. In the Pajaro Valley, known for strawberries, apples, and abundant produce, Watsonville developed as a diverse community with a strong sense of optimism, shared community life, and traditions of festivals and parades, including the Memorial Day Weekend Strawberry Dessert Festival and the Spirit of Watsonville 4th of July celebration.