Business Name : Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park
Category & Type : Recreation > Historic Park
Location : 3325 Adobe Road , Petaluma CA
Phone : 707-762-4871
Email : petadobe@parks.ca.gov

Website : http://www.petalumaadobe.com/

Description :

The Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park once served as the center of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo's 66,000-acre (100 square miles) working rancho from 1836-1846.

In 1834, Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo was sent from San Francisco, by the Mexican Government, to the area to accomplish three things: to secularize the San Francisco Solano Mission in Sonoma, to colonize the area by starting a pueblo (Sonoma), and to be near the Russian Outpost at Fort Ross.  He was given his first land grant of 44,000 acres (later supplemented with another 22,000 acres) as a reward and to further encourage his leadership.  He chose a hilltop for his Petaluma Adobe rancho and factory.  The operation needed to be large in order to support Vallejo's military command in Sonoma, as they did not receive adequate support from the government. Made from adobe brick and Redwood, its design is typical of Hispanic Architecture.  The construction of the building is a reflection of the increasing trade in the area.  The building began with tree nails and rawhide lashings to hold the beams together and moved to iron nails, hinges, glass windows, and a hand split shingled roof.

Authentic furniture and interpretive displays at the Petaluma Adobe make it possible to visualize many aspects of life on Vallejo's sprawling rancho. The main economic activity of the rancho was based on the hide and tallow trade.  As well, the rancho produced many crops, and grain was traded in large quantities. The Adobe contains authentic furniture and exhibits depicting early rancho life.

The park has shaded a picnic area with views of farmland and oak-studded hills.

Your paid admission of $2.00 for adults (17 years and older) is also good at Sonoma State Historic Park, in the town of Sonoma, on the same day purchased. Vallejo's Home, Mission San Francisco Solano, and the Soldiers Barracks are all located within Sonoma State Historic Park located about 20 minutes from the Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park.