Holy City
White supremacist religious cult commune
State: California
County: Santa Cruz County
Founded: 1919
Abandoned: 1960s
Holy City was founded by William Riker as a white supremacist religious cult headquarters on the main road between San Francisco and Santa Cruz. At its peak, it had a radio station, restaurant, gas station, and zoo. When Highway 17 bypassed it, Holy City died. Riker lived until 1969, converting to Catholicism.
Timeline
- 1919 - Founding William Riker established religious commune.
- 1920s-1940s - Peak 300+ residents. Roadside attractions.
- 1938 - Radio Station KFQU broadcast Riker's ideology.
- 1942 - Sedition Trial Riker tried for sedition (acquitted).
- 1940s - Highway Bypass New Highway 17 bypassed town.
- 1960s - Abandoned Most residents left. Riker died 1969.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Year-round
Difficulty: N/A - minimal remains
Time Needed: 15 minutes
Tips
- Old Highway 17 exit
- Very few structures remain
- Historical marker tells story
- Private property—view from road
Quick Facts
- Cult leader ran for governor of California 4 times
- Had a zoo and roadside attractions
- Highway bypass killed the tourist income
- Riker converted to Catholicism before dying at 96
Location
Address: Highway 17, Santa Cruz County, California
Coordinates: 37.1686, -121.9928