Santa Clara Tower

Historical marker location:

471 Benton Street, Santa Clara, California

( Marker is at the intersection of Benton Street and Railroad Avenue, on the left when traveling north on Benton Street.)

Marker installed: 2002

Dedicated to Service and Safety.

In 1965, the Watts Riots erupted in Los Angeles after a police officer arrested a Black man for drunk driving. The six-day riot resulted in 34 deaths, over 1,000 injuries, and $40 million in property damage. The Watts Riots were a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement and helped to spark a nationwide conversation about race relations.