#3 Site of Vigilante Hanging
This spot is the approximate location of the next-to-last vigilante hanging in the state of California.
In 1920, Sheriff Petray of Sonoma County and two San Francisco policemen were killed in an attempt to arrest the Howard Street Gang, a gang of criminals from San Francisco. Three of the gang members were finally arrested and imprisoned in Santa Rosa. Vigilantes, mostly from Healdsburg, were so outraged at the murders that they broke into the jail, brought the three suspects to this spot and hung them from a tree in this vicinity. There is dispute as to whether the tree might have been a locust tree, like the one seen here, or one of the larger oaks. Gaye LeBaron reports that it was a locust tree which was removed shortly after the hanging. The existing tree could be a shoot or seedling from that tree. It was said that they “hung the low cusses from the locust tree.”
Native California Habitat & Memorial Garden
To the left of the GAR Memorial and across the path from the Hanging Tree is the Native California Habitat and Memorial Garden. This is a demonstration garden of California native plants (plants that grew in California prior to the arrival of Europeans). These plants are uniquely adapted to our dry climate because they have evolved in this area and are the preferred plants for habitat use (food, shelter, places to raise their young, etc.) for our California birds, insects, and animals. This garden is tended by volunteers who would always welcome new members. This garden also contains memorials to people who have no grave location. If you are interested, we can provide a location and marker for your loved one. Ask us for our brochure.
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1600 Franklin Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
