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Description
The James Lick Mill was once part of the Rancho Ulistac grant, running from the Alviso shoreline south, to include all the land between the Guadalupe and Saratoga Creeks. The mill complex contained a brick granary and millpond from the original mill built in 1855, a large house built around 1858, and an office building. Fire destroyed the mill in 1882. In 1902, the complex was converted to the manufacture of alcohol. Ownership passed over the years to companies such as Union Distilling, Western Grain and Sugar Products, Western Carbonic Gas, American Salt and Chemical, and Commercial Solvents and Chemical. Though a farmer, and enthusiastic orchardist and horticulturist, Lick also invested in real estate. His fortunate investments made him the richest man in California at the time. When he died in 1876 he left his estate of over three million dollars for various public projects. Lick is buried at one of those bequested projects, Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton.
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