Casa de la Guerra facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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El Paseo and Casa de la Guerra
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A close-up photo of the northeastern part of the building
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 808–818 State St., 813–819 Anacapa St., and 9–25 E. de la Guerra St., Santa Barbara, California |
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| Area | 1.7 acres (0.69 ha) |
| Built | 1819 |
| Architectural style | Spanish Colonial |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000346 |
| Added to NRHP | February 2, 1977 |
The Casa de la Guerra is a historic house in Santa Barbara, California. It was once the home of José de la Guerra y Noriega, who was an important leader (called a "commandant") at the Santa Barbara Presidio. He lived there from 1828 until he passed away in 1858. José was also the founder of the Guerra family of California, a well-known family in early California.
His family continued to live in the house until 1943. Today, the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation owns and manages the site. It is now a museum where you can learn about the past. You can find it at 15 East De la Guerra Street in Santa Barbara.
A Big House for a Big Family
When José de la Guerra lived in the house, people called it the casa grande, which means "big house" in Spanish. This was because it had thirteen rooms, which was much larger than the smaller, one-room adobe homes around it.
During this time, José added a special part called the altito. This structure was used as his office and where he kept his money. The altito no longer stands today.
Changes Over Time
In 1857, a big earthquake, known as the 1857 Fort Tejon earthquake, caused a lot of damage to the house. Because José was getting older and not well, his son Pablo took charge of fixing it up.
Pablo's repairs changed the house's look. He made it more modern for the time, giving it a Victorian style. For example, the original adobe columns were replaced with wooden ones. Wooden siding was also added to the outside of the house.
A Protected Landmark
The Casa de la Guerra is a very important historical site. It is recognized as a Santa Barbara City Landmark and a California Historical Landmark. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It shares this national recognition with the nearby Paseo de la Guerra, and together they are known as "El Paseo and Casa de la Guerra."
Today, the house is being carefully restored. The goal is to make it look just as it did between 1828 and 1858. You can visit the inside of the Casa de la Guerra on Saturdays and Sundays. You can explore the outside of the building any day.
See also
- Paseo de la Guerra
- Pablo de la Guerra
- Antonio Maria de la Guerra
- History of Santa Barbara, California
- California Historical Landmarks in Santa Barbara County, California
