Concord Historical Society

1868 – Dedicated to the future citizens of Todos Santos Village (later – Concord) by its pioneer founders: Don Salvio Pacheco, Don Fernando Pacheco, and Don Francisco Galindo. This public square one of the original 20 blocks laid out for the new town

Late 1800′s-1900’s – Family picnics, holiday festivals, political speeches, parades are common activities

1903 – Brass cannon from decommissioned battleship USS Independence placed in the Plaza; remained there until early 1940’s

Circa 1905 – Bandstand/gazebo built for concerts, dances, holiday celebrations

1910 – First sidewalks built around Plaza

1917 – First separate library building—the Carnegie or Concord Free Library opens in the Plaza on Salvio Street. A well with hand-pump placed on the west side

1920 – Fir tree at corner of Salvio and Mt. Diablo Streets becomes Concord’s first outdoor lighted Christmas tree

1931 – Last of Eucalyptus trees cut down

1934 – 800-foot redwood log pergola covered with Wisteria built around the square’s perimeter provided a flowering walkway

Circa 1940 – Children’s playground area in place

Early 1950’s – Pergola removed and library removed to make room for another renovation of the square

1969 – The name Todos Santos Plaza is officially adopted

1970’s – Declared a Concord Historical Landmark

Early 1970’s – Eucalyptus and Cyprus trees and some firs planted. A picket fence built to protect the new seedlings from wandering cows. Children paid to water the new trees by the bucket

1994 – A newly designed Plaza opens after being closed for a year for renovation with a new performing stage and play area

1990’s – Founders’ plaque installed on the Willow Pass side of Plaza

2002 – Winter Olympic Torch received and passed along the Plaza. Raised flower bed installed to showcase US Flag flower plantings

Present – Farmers’ Market, Music at Noon, Kids Fest, 4th of July, Halloween, Christmas Tree Lighting, cultural festivities and family picnics held in the Plaza

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