Built as a residence in 1836 this two-story, hip-roofed adobe is significant for its style of architecture, and for the era of its construction, that being the early development of San Juan Bautista at the time when it was part of Monterey County and a focal point in the history of California.

The historical name, the Pico Adobe, originated from a local legend about Rafael Pico, a Basque who arrived in the San Joaquin Valley in the early 19^thcentury. He prospered as a sheep rancher and lived in the adobe until he returned to his native Pyrenees.

The oldest document concerning the property is a land grant from the Alcalde (Mayor) of San Juan Bautista, Don Julian Ursua, to Maria Boronda in 1849. The grant is for an area of land nearly twice the size of the present-day lot. The Mexican government granted large tracts of land to Maria Boronda’s father, Jose Boronda, and his brothers. Jose Boronda was a prominent citizen of San Juan Bautista.

Maria Boronda’s paternal grandfather, Manuel Boronda, was one of the first teachers in California. He taught at the Presidio of San Francisco in the late 18^thcentury and at the Presidio of Monterey. His skills as a carpenter were used by the padres, and he was a favorite of Father Serra.

On August 23, 1864 the sale of the portion of Maria Boronda’s granted land was made to Jose Maria Espinosa. The deed recorded that Espinosa had received the land in 1851, and that the payment for it had been deferred. On August 25, 1864, Espinosa sold the lot to Ignacio Castro for $600. In 1867, Ignacio Castro deeded the property to his brother George. E. J. Breen, a member of the Donner Party, bought the Adobe in 1878.

In 1883, J. G. Sanchez bought the adobe as a home for his mother and two sisters. Sanchez was the grandson and heir of Jose Maria Sanchez, one of the most affluent cattle ranchers in the San Joaquin Valley. In 1887, Jose Francisco Soto then bought the adobe, but the State of California confiscated it soon thereafter for tax purposes. In 1904 Benigno Soto received the property and sold it to his relative Edward Dowdy in 1907.

In 1933, the members of the Native Daughters of the Golden West, San Juan Bautista Parlor No.179 purchased what at the time was the dilapidated relic of the Pico Boronda Adobe. This investment was made as a first step in reclaiming one more important piece of San Juan Bautista history.

The building illustrates the combination of the ancient art of adobe construction brought to California by the Spaniards and the New England Colonial tradition introduced by the early sailors from New England whose ships were anchored in the port of Monterey. This style, which also includes elements of the Greek Revival architecture of the South, is what is known as Monterey Colonial. The Pico Boronda Adobe is styled after Casa Amesti and Larkin House of Monterey, which are two of the best examples of Monterey Colonial architecture in California.

Having restored the Adobe by 1935, the Native Daughters of the Golden West Parlor No. 179 continue to use the building for group functions. The history of the Native Daughters’ Adobe is significantly tied to the histories of Monterey and San Benito Counties. The story documented through the deed transactions and oral history sheds light on the political and social climate of the area. The Native Daughters of the Golden West is a cultural resource preservation-minded group, and the house lends itself to their needs.

Before the Adobe was purchased the Native Daughters of the Golden West, theParlor met in the Mission, establishing a long relationship with theChurch.  For many years, Sisters of the NDGW played Pedro at the Mission and participatedin their annual Pageants and Festivals.

The furnishing of the adobe coincides with the sale of the Zanettaproperty to California State Park around 1938, when Victoria Zanetta, CharterMember of the Native Daughters of the Golden West ParlorNo. 179, gave family treasures to the parlor. The furniture including a 19th century piano brought around Cape Horn to California during the gold rush, and books are always on display by theParlor as it remains central to the activities of ourcommunity.

During the 85+ years since, the Native Daughters of the Golden West, San Juan Bautista Parlor members have dedicated their energy in fundraising and personal resources to its reclamation and preservation because of the building’s paramount importance to the community as a whole. The Parlor members meet once a month in the building and on the second Friday of each month, they host a Pedro Card Party at the Adobe for only $5.00 per person.

The Native Daughters of the Golden West is a fraternal and patriotic organization founded on the principles of love of home, devotion to the flag, veneration of the pioneers and faith in the existence of God. February is the anniversary month for Parlor 179, having been chartered on February 23, 1910.