Sánchez Adobe is a living history site that was occupied from prehistoric times until it became a historic landmark in 1953. It was an Ohlone village, a mission farm, a cattle ranch, the home of Francisco Sánchez (alcalde (Mayor) of San Francisco), a residence of General Kirkpatrick, the Hotel San Pedro, a speakeasy known as Adobe House and an artichoke storage facility. For many years it was the only provider of food for Mission Dolores in San Francisco. The old adobe home on the site, a fine example of authentic Monterey architecture, is the oldest building in San Mateo County.

Each September, a celebration of the California Rancho Period is featured during Rancho Day at Sánchez Adobe. Early Californian music and dance is performed, authentic Rancho food is served, and demonstrations by Bygone Trades and make-it-yourself crafts are offered to the public.

Activities continue throughout the year as well, including docent tours of building and site and historic shows. School programs may arrange special activities such as adobe brick-making, candle-making, cattle roping and children's games such as Native American stick games.

For more information about the Site's history, events, location, hours, and admissions, visit the Sánchez Adobe Historic Site webpage on the San Mateo County Historical Association website.

History of Sánchez Adobe

• 1769 - Portola Expedition from Spain encounters people living in the village of Pruristac in present-day Linda Mar. The Spanish named these people Coastoans. The actual name of the tribe was Ohlone. The Ohlone had lived in Pacifica for thousands of years.
• 1785 - Mission Farm (Assistancia-outpost) grew food for Mission Dolores (Mission San Francisco de Asis). Records indicate they planted 36 acres of wheat, 8 acres of corn, an orchard and a vineyard.
• 1787- Willow fences were built to keep out hungry grizzly bears from the surrounding hillsides.
• 1791 - The Ohlone village of Pruristac was annihilated from diseases (possibly measles) carried by white missionaries. The village was most likely on the site of the shell mound which is now occupied by the caretaker's cottage to the west of the adobe house.
• 1796 - Assistancia is abandoned.
• 1834 - Mission lands (including the Assistancia, now in ruins) are confiscated by the Mexican government.
• 1839 - Don Francisco Sanchez was granted two leagues of land (approximately the size of the present-day City of Pacifica) by the governor of Alta California.
• 1842 - 1846 - Sanchez builds a house on his property in Pacifica. This becomes his country home.
• 1848 - California is ceded to the United States.
• 1862 - Sanchez dies.
• 1871 - Sanchez adobe sold to James Regan for $5,000.
• 1878 - Bank of America forecloses on the property for unpaid debts.
• 1879 - General Edward Kirkpatrick acquires the adobe. Price: $17,500.
• 1900 to 1946 - The adobe is used at various times as a hotel, bordello, speakeasy, bootleg saloon, hunting lodge, and an artichoke packing shed.
• 1946 - Property purchased by Ray Higgins.
• 1947 - Higgins sells the land to San Mateo County for use as a museum.

For more information about the Native Americans that once lived in Pacifica and information about the California Missions, visit the California Missions website.

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