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Bryan Murahashi | all galleries >> Galleries >> Photo a Day > A Castle Tower in Palo Alto?
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11-DEC-2005

A Castle Tower in Palo Alto?

Following the GPS coordinates of the "Pete's Castle" Geocache led us to this old castle like
tower in Palo Alto.

From the description from the Geocache page :

This tower was built in 1875 by a mysterious Frenchman named Peter Coutts who owned the 1400-acre Matadero rancho. Peter Coutts is now supposed to have been a Frenchman named Paulin Caperon who was a retainer of the exiled Empress Eugenie, widow of Napoleon III. On arrival here, Coutts began the construction of a large estate, based on buildings at Versailles, for which many buildings were planned - only one was begun – along with a strange tunnel complex. Peter Coutts was always evasive about his circumstances and all his monetary dealings were done in the name of his children’s governess. It isn’t certain how many tunnels there were but most say there were six. The tunnels were supposed to have been created to supply water to the estate and farm. Many contemporaries felt that the tunnels were far to large for that. Fueled by Peter Coutts’ mysterious demeanor, rumors flared. The tunnels may have been built to amuse Empress Eugenie (said to be fond of the clandestine). They may have been a hiding place for his fortune (believed stolen from the French government). They may have been a hiding place for Mr. Coutts himself built to avoid government agents chasing him, with the tower as watch post and fortress for a siege. Adding to the great mystery of the Frenchman’s Tower was the fact that after six years living and building in Palo Alto (Mayfield at the time) Peter Coutts disappeared. About one year after he disappeared Peter Coutts was back, many thought reclaim his gold from the tunnels under his land. He did not stay long and soon after he sold the land to Leland Stanford, then governor of California. Over the years many people have searched the tunnels for treasure or some answer to the mystery of there existence; nothing was ever found…

The following website is the Geocache page:
http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=64ce66f8-46c2-4e1b-af08-1d1ae8a3d66e


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steve mcsweeny16-Dec-2005 12:34
Excellent shot and great info.
Diane Wu16-Dec-2005 06:43
^_^
Guest 13-Dec-2005 13:30
Nice capture and shadows!!
Guest 13-Dec-2005 07:47
Wonderful post-card like shot :) The shadows on the bricks of castle are very interesting.
Di13-Dec-2005 02:28
I like the shadows on the bricks...very interesting.
Jackdad12-Dec-2005 23:09
that tree branch shadow across the mysterious tower is a brilliant touch. Love the light in this shot - it might also make an interesting b&w.
Guest 12-Dec-2005 15:56
A beautiful picture with an equally nice explanation to go with it.
Great work, Bryan!
Barb12-Dec-2005 15:21
Nice shot. Like the shadows on the tower. Also enjoyed the information.
Guest 12-Dec-2005 14:27
Nice image and the info is interesting...
Herb 12-Dec-2005 13:25
Never knew it existed, but then again never could afford to live in Palo Alto :)
Karen Stuebing12-Dec-2005 10:45
It really does look like a medevial castle turret. Nice compositon and warm colors. I think I'd still look for the treasure. :)
Buz Kiefer12-Dec-2005 09:30
The deep blue sky and the tree branch on the top are nice touches. Good background info too. Interesting.
Guest 12-Dec-2005 05:47
great! i love the shadow on the Tower!
carol j. phipps12-Dec-2005 05:46
The reflected tree branches along with your commentary give this tower the appearance of a mysterious history recorded in stone.