Blackburn, William

William Blackburn (1814-1867) came overland to the Santa Cruz area from Missouri in 1846, becoming one of the most prominent Santa Cruz residents of that era. Blackburn was elected as the first American alcalde of Branciforte/Santa Cruz and, after the new state and county were established, the first county judge. His wife Harriet Mead Blackburn (1831-1920), who he met in Santa Cruz, outlived him by 53 years, and became a major land owner/developer.

• History Pages: 8 - Bear Flag Revolt
• The Alcaldes of Branciforte-Santa Cruz (1802-1850), by Stanley D. Stevens