Welcome to the Andres Pico Adobe Park in Mission Hills, one of the oldest residences in the San Fernando Valley and a significant landmark in Los Angeles history. The story of this adobe begins in 1834, a time when California was still under Mexican rule. Originally constructed by Native Americans from the San Fernando Mission, it served as a modest one-room structure amidst the Mission’s orchards and vineyards.
The adobe’s history is closely tied to the influential Pico family, a powerful Californio family in 19th-century California. Andres Pico, along with Juan Manso, acquired a lease for the San Fernando Valley in 1845, using the Mission lands for cattle ranching. Although it is unclear if Andres Pico ever lived in the adobe, his adopted son, Rómulo Pico, and his wife, Catarina, made it their home in 1874. They transformed the building significantly by adding a kitchen, two wings, and a second floor, turning it into a residence that reflected both Mexican and American architectural influences.
Over the years, the adobe has seen various owners and periods of decline. By the late 19th century, it fell into disrepair, only to be revived by Mark Raymond Harrington, curator of the Southwest Museum, in the early 20th century. Harrington’s restoration efforts preserved the adobe, allowing it to stand today as a testament to the diverse cultural history of California.
This adobe is not just a building; it is a witness to the evolution of California from its Mexican roots to its American present. It tells stories of the land’s transition through political change and cultural integration, embodying the rich tapestry of Californian history.
