Olivas Adobe facts for kids
|
Olivas Adobe
|
|
.jpg)
Olivas Adobe
|
|
| Location | 4200 Olivas Park Dr., Ventura, California |
|---|---|
| Built | 1837 |
| Architect | Raimundo Olivas |
| NRHP reference No. | 79000570 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | July 24, 1979 |
The Olivas Adobe is a very old and important building in Ventura, California. It's made of adobe, which is a type of brick made from earth and straw. This special home was built in 1837 by a man named Raymundo Olivas. It sits near the Santa Clara River, not far from where the river meets the ocean in a place called an estuary.
A New Home in California
Raymundo Olivas was given about 2,250 acres (about 9 square kilometers) of land in 1841. This was a special gift from Governor Juan Bautista Alvarado because of Olivas's service at the Presidio of Santa Barbara. A presidio was like a fort or military base. Olivas named his new land Rancho San Miguel.
This land used to be a place where cattle from Mission San Buenaventura grazed. But during a time called the secularization of the missions, the mission lands were taken over by the government. This made it possible for people like Olivas to receive land grants.
Life at the Adobe
Raymundo Olivas first built the adobe home in 1837. Later, in 1849, he made it even bigger by adding a second story. This made it the only two-story adobe building in the area at that time!
Olivas, his wife, and their amazing 21 children lived in this large home until 1899. Imagine how busy that house must have been! After the Olivas family, the adobe became a hunting lodge for Max Fleischmann. He was famous for his company that made yeast and margarine.
After Max Fleischmann passed away, his foundation gave the land and the historic house to the City of Ventura.
A Recognized Landmark
Today, the Olivas Adobe is a very important historical site. It is recognized as California Historical Landmark #115. This means it's a special place in California's history. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This is a list of places across the United States that are important for their history, architecture, or culture.
See also
- List of Registered Historic Places in Ventura County, California
- City of Ventura Historic Landmarks and Districts
- Ranchos of California
- Spanish missions in California
Images for kids
-
A view of the Olivas Adobe building.
