SITE HISTORY

Castro Adobe State Historic Park

The building is only one of four historic adobe buildings remaining in Santa Cruz County. Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks in collaboration with California State Parks has led a 20-year restoration effort to preserve and interpret the Castro Adobe, now the newest State Historic Park in California. It’s open for visitors at the monthly Open House days or by appointment. 

The Castro Adobe was constructed in 1849-50 by native servants for Juan Jose Castro and Rita Pinto Castro. Juan Jose was son of Jose Joaquin Castro, who was an original Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition member. The Castro Adobe was constructed on the Mexican land grant, Rancho San Andrés, confirmed to Jose Joaquin conditionally in 1823 and later formally confirmed in 1857.  It spread over two square leagues (8,800 square acres) stretching from the Monterey Bay to Corralitos and from the Pajaro River to Aptos. Unfortunately, in 1873, the Castro’s lost their land due costly legal battles, language barriers, and having to prove their ownership under the new United States laws. Later owners include the Hansen family, Potter family and Edna and Joe Kimbro.

The Castro Adobe is one of the finest examples of a rancho hacienda in the Monterey Bay area. It is an excellent representation of a Monterey-Colonial style adobe.