Menlo Park

Irish immigrants Dennis J. Oliver and his brother-in-law D. C. McGlynn were Menlo Park's first permanent settlers in 1853. They found the tree-studded pastureland of this area reminiscent of "Menlough," their hometown located on the outskirts of Galway, Ireland. This led them to purchase a 1,700-acre tract of land at the southern end of Pulgas Grant, land on which you are now standing.

 

In 1854 Oliver and McGlynn erected a magnificent, wooden gateway to the property. The name "Menlo Park" was written on the center, main arch in foot-high letters. The gates, as pictured above, stood on the west side of El Camino Real adjacent to this marker. Unfortunately, a motorist demolished the gates in 1922.

 

This marker is presented to the City of Menlo Park on the occasion of the Sesquicentennial of the County of San Mateo in recognition of the county's incorporation on April 19, 1856 by the Rotary Club of Menlo Park, Kiwanis Club, Lion's Club, Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce and the Historical Associate of Menlo Park.

Submitted by: Eric Goodill