Robbery of the San Benito Stage

"The San Benito Stage was robbed at gunpoint, persumably by the Tiburcio Vasquez gang, in the spring of 1872. On the afternoon of April 19, three men wearing hoods over their heads lay in wait behind a rock ledge (later called "Robbers Roost") just south of Cornwell's Crossing. As the southbound stage approached, the banditos moved boldly into the middle of the road; and with pistols leveled, they ordered the driver, Doc Garner, to rein up his horses. Stage passengers that day were San Benito residents George Chick and William Billings. During the robbery several trunks and mail bags were cut open and looted. Garner and the others were relieved of their watches and cash, bound with ropes; and left, face down, on the ground." One of the robbers was recognized as a visitor at the Castro home. Joe Castro was arrested the next day. Castro was detained in the old Breen house for transportation the following day to Hollister.

Note: The old Breen house is part of our San Juan Bautista Historic Park

The Picture below is taken from the intersections next to the Breen House and you can see the stable to the left and the Mission ahead.