About Don Salvio Pacheco
Don Salvio Pacheco was born on July 15, 1793 in Monterey, Alta California. After serving in the Monterey Militia for many years, he petitioned the Territorial Deputation Council of the Mexican government for a Land Grant in 1834. With the possession of 17,921 acres named Rancho Monte del Diablo, he sent his oldest son, Fernando, to fulfill the requirements of the Grant by setting up its borders and working with local Native Americans to build a house. Pacheco served two terms as Mayor of San Jose before moving his family here into the eight-room, two-story adobe house in 1846. His home still stands at 1870 Adobe Street.
Pacheco, Fernando and Francisco Galindo (Pacheco’s son-in-law) hired a team in 1868 to survey the boundaries for a new town, in order to help residents of his namesake town of Pacheco, which had become ravaged by an earthquake and flooding. He named it Todos Santos (All Saints) and sold parcels for just one dollar each to anyone who was willing to relocate their business. The town was soon renamed Concord, but this park, dedicated by Pacheco to the residents, retains the original name.
Pacheco was known for his philanthropy and generosity. His home became a business, social and cultural center for the region. He hosted this area’s first school for both English and Spanish-speaking residents, he fostered the building of the first Catholic church and he threw lavish parties around his swimming pool, which was filled with water from an artesian well.
Pacheco and his wife Maria Juana Flores had eight children. By the time he died in 1876, he had sold or given away most of his original land grant. He was remembered for his kindness by local farmers to whom he loaned money to buy his land. He advised them to buy seed and improve their new property first, and asked them to wait to pay him pack once they had become prosperous. Pacheco if buried in the Martinez Cemetery.
About the Artist: Master Sculptor Paula B. Slater is internationally recognized for her many impressive public bronze monuments, memorials, and busts. As evidenced by this impressive work of art, Slater is well known for her attention to detail and fine finishing. . This historical marker is in Concord in Contra Costa County California