Historic buildings from all over San Jose have been brought together in this open-air history museum, southeast of the city center in Kelley Park. The centerpiece is a dramatic 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 center. It was a complete failure but was left standing as a central landmark until it toppled over in 1915 because of 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, and on weekends you can ride a trolley along the park’s own short line.
