Located in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains near San Jose, California, the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice (BGJ) Ranch is a living reminder of the days when business, cattle ranching and other agricultural activities flourished in the region. Founded in 1844, the BGJ Ranch is one of the oldest continuously operated family-owned ranches in California, and the original homestead, constructed by its founders, still stands today. With a history that reaches back more than two centuries to the days of Mexican rule, the BGJ Ranch offers visitors a unique look at the past and present of rural life in Silicon Valley. The origins of the BGJ Ranch date back to 1845, when Louis Bernal, his wife Maria Nancy Gulnac, and their children, Angel and Louise, purchased land from local ranchers Jose Antonio Berreyesa and Ygnacio Joice. As soon as it was bought, the Bernals began to put their stamp on the property, building a house and fencing off a portion of the land for their own use. Later, Louis and Maria would split their property between the two children, with Angel taking the westernmost portion and Louise the eastern section. Information concerning San Jose, CA can be discovered here.
Over the next three generations, the BGJ Ranch was continually expanded and improved. Generation after generation of the Bernal and Gulnac families worked to bring their dreams of creating a successful ranch to fruition. In time, the BGJ Ranch became one of the largest ranching operations in California. At its peak, the TGJ Ranch spanned more than 1,500 acres and was home to hundreds of cattle, as well as pigs, sheep, chickens, and turkeys. The ranch also featured a large apple orchard, vegetable gardens, and a cannery. In addition to the family’s agricultural activities, the Bernals and Gulnacs hosted events for visiting dignitaries, celebrations for important holidays, and public gatherings on the grounds. Discover facts about Explore the Unexpected Beauty of Cahalan Park in San Jose, CA.
