Memorial Cross Park

Memorial Cross Park, located in Santa Clara, California, is a small but historically significant 0.34-acre city park. The site holds particular importance as it was the second temporary location of Mission Santa Clara de Asís from 1779 to 1784.

The park's landscaping reflects its historical roots, with an emphasis on early mission-era horticulture. Visitors can find plantings of oleander and olive trees, which contribute to the park's serene atmosphere. Adobe perimeter walls reminiscent of early mission days bound the site, further enhancing its historical character.

Memorial Cross Park has been a point of both historical commemoration and controversy. In 1907, an 8-foot tall wooden cross was erected at the site, incorporating fragments from earlier crosses dating back to the mission's founding. In 1953, this was replaced by a larger 14-foot tall granite cross donated by the local Lions Club. However, due to concerns about the separation of church and state, the granite cross was removed in December 2016 following a federal lawsuit.

The park serves as a quiet space for reflection and a reminder of the area's rich history. It is recognized as California Historical Landmark #250, commemorating its significance as part of the early Spanish colonial and missionary presence in the Santa Clara Valley.