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| Landmark #179 | San Benito County | Visited: October 1, 2011 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
| What is it? | A museum dedicated to the history of the Castro and Breen families who inhabited it! |
| What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: In the 1840s the Castro House was built to house General José Castro’s administrative office and his secretary. In 1848, Castro sold the house to Patrick Breen, survivor of the ill-fated Donner party of 1846, and the Breen family lived here for many years.
OTHER TIDBITS: José Castro had an ironic military career! Although he was the commanding general of Alta California, he was a staunch supporter of Californian self rule. However, after the Mexican-American War, he lost his land, sold his home to Patrick Breen, and became governor of Baja California! Castro let the Breens stay in his home until they could afford to buy it. They were the first English speakers to arrive in San Juan Bautista, at least a year after the horrors in the Sierra Nevada! However, despite their ill fortune in the winter, they were able to buy Castro’s home after one of the Breen boys struck gold! This landmark is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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| Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: San Juan Bautista State Historic Park 2nd and Washington Sts San Juan Bautista, CA 95045 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~311mi (501km) — 5.2hrs |
| When should I go? | All buildings in San Juan Bautista State Historic Park are open every day from 10:00 AM until 4:30 PM! |
