Villa Mira Monte - Morgan Hill’s “History Park”

Villa Mira Monte is a direct preservation of some of Morgan Hill’s city heritage and one of the top free things to do in Morgan Hill, California.

Situated on Monterey Road, just north of downtown Morgan Hill is Villa Mira Monte, or what may be called Morgan Hill’s history park. The 2.5 acre site is owned, operated, and maintained by the Morgan Hill Historical Society, a non profit organization with a mission to “preserve and share the history of Morgan Hill, and its environs, to inspire a sense of community.”

Set upon the site of a former rancho, Villa Mira Monte offers visitors free activities to learn about Morgan Hill’s past such as a docent-led tour of the Hiram Morgan Hill House, visiting the Morgan Hill History Museum, and exploring the Centennial History Trail.

The Villa Mira Monte estate is located on Monterey Road, which is the historic El Camino Real and former alignment of California Highway 101. A driveway on the south side of the site allows cars to enter and park at the rear east side of the grounds, overlooking the city’s prominent “Murphy’s Peak,” now known as El Toro.

Morgan Hill House

The centerpiece of Villa Mira Monte is the Hiram Morgan Hill House, built in 1884 and the only place in Morgan Hill listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Hiram Morgan Hill House is a Queen Anne style country estate built by a local rancher named Hiram Morgan Hill and his wife Diana Murphy Hill. After the Southern Pacific railroad was built in 1898, visitors would request the train stop at "Morgan Hill’s Ranch." The stop became known as Morgan Hill and the city adopted this name when it incorporated in 1906. Visitors may take a docent-led tour of the house on Saturdays to learn about this historic home’s role in Morgan Hill’s history.

Morgan Hill Museum

The site also features the Morgan Hill History Museum, housed in the 1911 farmhouse of orchardist John Acton. The home was donated to the City of Morgan Hill for use as a community museum and in 1980, the Historical Society relocated it to its current location at Villa Mira Monte. After some rehabilitation, the home now contains a repository of archives and object collections, including artifacts, maps, photos, manuscripts, clippings, and memorabilia from Morgan Hill and the surrounding area. Visitors may peruse the various exhibits in this quaint and cozy historic farmhouse on Saturdays.

Morgan Hill History Museum at Villa Mira Monte, Morgan Hill, California

Centennial History Trail

Located on the grounds of Villa Mira Monte, outside of the Hiram Morgan Hill House and Morgan Hill History Museum, is the Centennial History Trail and Rose Garden. The History Trail was created to celebrate centennial anniversary of Morgan Hill’s city incorpoartion. The expanding spiral trail proceeds past 100 significant milestones in local, state, and national history. Each historical event is denoted by a marker—raised posts for Morgan Hill events, and granite markers for United States events. Visitors may enjoy the grounds’ fragrant and beautiful rose garden. A Native American garden is currently being developed outside of the Morgan Hill Museum.

Events & Other HistorY Resources

Villa Mira Monte is a beautiful and unique event venue, with private facility rental available for special events such as small weddings or business meetings. The Historical Society partners with local organizations to host public events at the site, like the annual Mariachi Competition and Dia de los Muertos community altars. The Morgan Hill Historical Society has a plethora of local history information and free-to-watch documentary films on their website. Their knowlegable volunteers also provide free Historic Walking Tours Downtown Morgan Hill on the second Saturday of each month.

Villa Mira Monte Contact Information & Hours

Address: 17860 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill, California 95037

Hours: Centennial History Trail and Rose Garden are open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm (winter) for self-guided tours. Morgan Hill Museum open on Saturdays from 10:00am to 1:00pm with docents.

Website: www.morganhillhistoricalsociety.org

Villa Mira Monte - Morgan Hill's "History Park"