During the 1870's and 1880's, a small village constructed of scrap lumber and driftwood was erected at the base of these cliffs. Known as China Beach, or China Cove, it was established by Chinese fishermen who set their nets by boat and then hauled their daily catch onto the beach by hand for drying and selling. By 1890, however, the expanding resort industry and waves of anti-Chinese sentiment had combined to force the last of the Chinese fishermen out of Santa Cruz County.

Dedicated October 20, 1984, by the
Monterey Viejo Chapter No. 1846
E Clampus Vitus