Station Master, James A. Houck

Traveling north by foot, horse, or cart along the El Camino Real from the southern Santa Clara Valley to the nearest town took several days. Recognizing an opportunity, James Houck began a stage service by building a small split redwood inn and stable near the eastern corner of Lewis Street. Houck, who could not read, nailed an empty cigar box to the porch railing as a mail drop and became the first postmaster. With mail service established, the rough-hewn stage stop and post office became a mapped destination that grew into the City of Gilroy.

Gilroy, California · United States