Landmark #127 | Los Angeles County | Visited: November 13, 2011 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
What is it? | The restored adobe home of the last Mexican governor of California: Pío Pico! |
What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: Following the Mexican War, Pío Pico, last Mexican governor, acquired 9,000-acre Rancho Paso de Bartolo and built here an adobe home that was destroyed by the floods of 1883-1884. His second adobe casa, now known as Pío Pico Mansion, represents a compromise between Mexican and American cultures. While living here the ex-Governor was active in the development of American California.
OTHER TIDBITS: Pío Pico’s life spanned the saddest rainbow ever! Born into poverty in 1801, he rose through the army to become a member of the Territorial Assembly and was a critical influencer on the rise of Los Angeles! He was governor for the first time in 1831, then led a coup against Governor Micheltorena in 1845, which made him governor again! Then, one year later, the US took over, Pico sold most of his land, and was further bankrupted by the end of the Gold Rush and shady business dealings! Poor Pío! This landmark is also 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: Pío Pico State Historic Park 6003 Pioneer Blvd Whittier, CA 90606 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~16mi (26km) — 0.3hrs |
When should I go? | The park is open on weekends from 9:30 AM until 4:00 PM, and the adobe is open from 10:00 AM until 3:30 PM! |