Villa Mira Monte is an essential part of Morgan Hill’s history and serves as a free outdoor attraction for visitors old and new. It contains the Hiram Morgan Hill House, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Historic Museum, Centennial History Trail, plus docent-led House Tours of the Hiram Morgan Hill House on Saturdays that take visitors through the grandeur of Morgan Hill’s past.
Preserving and Sharing Morgan Hill’s History
Villa Mira Monte is a proud emblem of Morgan Hill’s City Heritage and a popular free attraction. Located on Monterey Road, just north of downtown, the 2.5-acre site is managed by the Morgan Hill Historical Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Morgan Hill and its surrounding areas, to foster a strong sense of community.
Visitors can take part in a docent-led House Tour of the Hiram Morgan Hill House, explore the Centennial History Trail, and learn more about the area’s past at the Morgan Hill History Museum. With parking available at the rear east side of the estate, this is an excellent opportunity to experience the grandeur of Morgan Hill’s long history.
History of the Hiram Morgan Hill House
The Hiram Morgan Hill House is an extraordinary example of Queen Anne-style architecture and the only place in Morgan Hill listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Built by local rancher Hiram Morgan Hill and his wife Diana Murphy Hill in 1884, the estate has become a centerpiece of Villa Mira Monte. In 1898, the Southern Pacific railroad started stopping at “Morgan Hill’s Ranch” and this stop eventually gave its name to the city when it was incorporated in 1906. On Saturdays, visitors may take a docent-led tour of the house and discover the house’s important role in Morgan Hill’s history.
Exploring the Morgan Hill History Museum
The Morgan Hill History Museum is a must-see for all visitors to the city. This unique museum is housed in the 1911 farmhouse of orchardist John Acton, which was donated to the City of Morgan Hill for use as a community museum. After undergoing some rehabilitation, this quaint and cozy historic farmhouse now contains an impressive repository of archives and object collections. Visitors can explore the various exhibits on Saturdays, including artifacts, maps, photos, manuscripts, clippings, and memorabilia from the Morgan Hill area and beyond.
Explore the Centennial History Trail and Rose Garden
Celebrate the centenary of Morgan Hill’s city incorporation with a visit to the Centennial History Trail and Rose Garden, located on the grounds of Villa Mira Monte beside the Hiram Morgan Hill House and Morgan Hill History Museum. The expanding spiral trail commemorates 100 significant milestones in local, state, and national history, with raised posts for Morgan Hill events and granite markers for United States events. Guests can savor the aroma and beauty of the rose garden while a Native American garden is being developed outside the Morgan Hill Museum.
Event Venue and Historical Society Offerings
The Villa Mira Monte event venue is a stunning location available for private rentals, offering the perfect backdrop for small weddings and business events. Additionally, the Morgan Hill Historical Society partners with local organizations to host public events such as the Mariachi Competition and Dia de los Muertos community altars. Committed to providing an educational platform as well, the Society’s website offers plenty of resources on local history, including free-to-watch documentary films. Furthermore, knowledgeable volunteers offer free Historic Walking Tours in Downtown Morgan Hill on the second Saturday of each month. For contact information and hours, please call or visit the website.
Museum Hours
Centennial History Trail and Rose Garden offer visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate its beauty daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (winter). Morgan Hill Museum is open every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., welcoming guests with knowledgeable docents who are happy to share their expertise.
Villa Mira Monte is a worthy emblem of Morgan Hill’s history, and visitors can immerse themselves in its rich cultural heritage by taking part in a tour of the Hiram Morgan Hill House, exploring the Centennial History Trail, and learning step back into history at the museum. Whether through the remarkable Queen Anne style architecture of the property or by taking a chance to appreciate local heritage preserved and displayed at Villa Mira Monte, visitors can walk away feeling a profound love and admiration for their hometown’s beautiful past.
