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Jose Dolores Sepulveda Adobe
JoseDoloresSepulvedaAdobe.jpg
Jose Dolores Sepulveda Adobe
Location Madison St. & Courtney Way, Torrance CA
Built 1839
Designated Jan. 03, 1944
Reference no. 383
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The Jose Dolores Sepulveda Adobe is a historic home built in 1818. It is located in Torrance, California, on what was once the huge Rancho de los Palos Verdes. This adobe house was recognized as a California Historical Landmark (No. 383) on January 3, 1944. The original adobe was built by José Dolores Sepúlveda. His son later became a Mayor of Los Angeles. Today, the location is a private home. The current owners have updated the house to honor its rich Rancho history. The name "Rancho de los Palos Verdes" means "range of green trees." This large ranch now includes parts of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, San Pedro, and Torrance.

Who Was José Dolores Sepúlveda?

José Dolores Sepúlveda (1793–1824) was an important figure in early California history. He was one of the sons of Juan José Sepúlveda. In 1784, the Spanish King gave a large piece of land, over 75,000 acres (about 300 square kilometers), to a soldier named Juan José Domínguez. This land was called Rancho San Pedro.

The Land Claim

After Domínguez passed away in 1809, his will's executor allowed 17-year-old Sepúlveda to herd livestock on the southwestern part of Rancho San Pedro. This permission eventually led to the Sepúlveda family claiming their own land, which became the Rancho de los Palos Verdes. This new ranch was created from parts of the larger Rancho San Pedro.

A Tragic Journey

José Dolores Sepúlveda traveled to Monterey to officially settle his land ownership. However, on his way back in 1824, he was killed during the Chumash revolt. This historical event happened near Mission La Purísima Concepción.

Settling the Dispute

Years later, in 1834, Governor José Figueroa made an official decision. This decision was meant to end the argument between the Domínguez and Sepúlveda families over the land. The governor awarded the 31,629-acre (about 128 square kilometers) Rancho de los Palos Verdes to Juan Capistrano Sepúlveda and José Loreto Sepúlveda.

Family Life

José Dolores Sepúlveda married María Ignacia Marcia Ávila. Their wedding took place on November 8, 1813, at Mission San Gabriel Arcángel.

Historic Marker Details

A special marker at the site tells part of the story of the Jose Dolores Sepulveda Adobe.

  • The marker, labeled NO. 383, states that this adobe home was built in 1818.
  • It also mentions that Dolores Sepúlveda had difficulties getting his land title officially recognized.
  • To solve this, he traveled to Monterey.
  • Sadly, on his return journey, he was killed during a conflict at Mission La Purísima Concepción.
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