Davenport History: Whaling, Cement and Immigrants Settlement in the area of todays Davenport got its start in 1868 when Captain John Davenport, a sea-based whaler by trade, built a 450 foot wharf off what became to be known as Davenports Landing (near El Jarro Point). The wharf was used to export local timber by boat to San Francisco. Captain Davenport also used a practice developed in the Azores Islands of Portugal called shore-based whaling. Scouts on the bluffs would alert men to go out from shore in a boat, kill the whale, and tow it back to shore for processing. It allowed the crew to stay with their families and was easier than processing the blubber at sea. By 1880 the high cost of operation forced Davenport to abandon the landing and move to Santa Cruz. The history of the modern town of Davenport is wholly wrapped up with the Davenport Cement Plant. The town was built in 1905 by the Coast Dairies and Land Company to house workers for the cement plant. On the shores of San Vicente Creek, it is located about a mile south of Davenport Landing. For the full and colorful history of Davenport with lots more cool photos go HERE: bit.ly/1p1TRN3 Like the content? Its by Mobile Ranger. Please like our page and check out our mobile AppTours about the natural and human history of Santa Cruz at mobileranger.
Posted on: Mon, 21 Jul 2014 16:00:01 +0000
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