History of the Place
The district of Santa Cruz was witness to three distinct eras, the Spanish Colonial era, the American period and the period during the World War II. Santa Cruz was first visited by Spanish explorers. They visited the district in the year 1581. The Spanish adventurers claimed the place and gave it to the Society of Jesus or the Jesuits. The present day Santa Cruz Parish was built in the year 1619 by the Jesuits. An image of the Our Lady of Pillar was enshrined at the church.
In 1784, San Lazaro hospital was set up to look after the lepers. A park was also built at the Santa Cruz Parish, which was connected to the Spanish cavalry headquarters. There was also a slaughter house and a meat market. During the American period, the San Lazaro hospital became caring house for those affected with cholera, bubonic plague, diphtheria, smallpox and venerable diseases. It was also during this period that the area adjacent to Santa Cruz came to be known as the downtown area. The area developed to be a thriving commercial city with rows of bazaars, buildings and theatres. During the Second World War, the place was deserted as the Japanese Imperial Army took control over the place by ousting the American and Filipino soldiers.
