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REMOVAL OF CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL LANDMARK 178 - LINDSAY POINT PLAQUE
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council discuss and approve by motion the removal of California Historical Landmark 178 - Lindsay Point Plaque located at City Hall, 425 North El Dorado Street.
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Summary
There is no current policy for the removal or placement of California Historical Landmarks on City owned property. In 1968, the Council granted permission for the placement of California Historical Landmark 178 - Lindsay Point Plaque located on the North side of City Hall at 425 North El Dorado Street. It is being considered for removal.
DISCUSSION
Background
In 1934, an application was filed with the State Park Commission to establish the “Site of the First Building in Present City of Stockton” as a registered Landmark. The State Park Commission approved this landmark on March 6, 1935, to be located near the Central Police and Fire Alarm Station Building at the tip of Lindsay Point.
At the time of approval, the approved language read as follows:
“In August 1844, the first settlers arrived at Rancho Del Campo De Los Franceses, one of the Company, Thomas Lindsay, built a tule hut on Lindsay Point where the City Hall now stands. This was the first American built dwelling within the City.”
Funds were not immediately available to pay for the casting off the plaque. In 1969, funds had been raised and a plaque ordered with new language reading as follows:
“In August 1844, the first settlers arrived at Rancho Del Campo De Los Franceses, one of the Company, Thomas Lindsay, built the first dwelling, a tule hut, on this site. He was later murdered by Indians and buried here by travelers. The point was formed by the junction of McLeod’s Lake and Miner’s Channel.”
Resolution 27,255 (Attachment A) passed by the Council September 10, 1968, granted permission for this plaque to be installed on the North side of City Hall at 425 North El Dorado Street and the dedication ceremony was held July 26, 1969.
Present Situation
The City will soon be relocating City Hall to new buildings and the historical artifacts within and surrounding historic City Hall have been undergoing review. Upon review of California Historical Landmark 178, concerns over the language and historical inaccuracies were raised. The Clerk’s Office has received similar concerns from members of the public.
The City Clerk reached out to the California Office of Historic Preservation. They expressed concern over the current condition of the plaque, that the language used does not conform to current historical research, and that the landmark does not meet current eligibility criteria. They recommended removing the plaque.
On February 5, 2025, City Clerk staff provided an informational report to the Cultural Heritage Board who expressed support for the removal of the plaque.
At the March 24, 2025 Council Legislation/Environmental Committee, the City Clerk presented the item for direction. After discussion, the Committee directed staff to forward a recommendation for removal to the full Council.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
There are no immediate costs associated with removal.
Attachment A - Resolution 27,255