History Park

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Lonely Planet review

Historic buildings from all over San Jose have been brought together in this open-air museum southeast of the city centre in Kelley Park. The centerpiece is a half-scale replica of the 237ft-high 1881 Electric Light Tower.

The original tower was a pioneering attempt at street lighting, intended to illuminate the entire town centre. It was a complete failure but, lights or not, was left standing as a central landmark until it toppled over in 1915 due to rust and wind. Other buildings include an 1888 Chinese temple and the Pacific Hotel, which has rotating exhibits inside. The Trolley Restoration Barn restores historic trolley cars to operate on San Jose's light-rail line. The trolleys are also run on the park's own short line.

Some of the buildings are closed during the week.