Castro-Breen Adobe

Two bronzes at this adobe give its builder different names. The 1932 plaque on the wall says Jose Maria Castro; the 2014 state bronze says Jose Antonio, the name most histories give the general. The older plaque sets the house of about 1838 on a grant of 1,500 varas, but the federal land case dates that grant to April 1846, from Governor Pío Pico. Patrick Breen filed his claim to it in 1853, and the United States issued his patent, for 401 acres, only in 1877. His heirs sold the house to the state in 1933.

What the plaque says

This adobe building erected about 1838 on a grant of 1500 Spanish varas from the Mexican government to Don Jose Maria Castro, interim Comandante General 1845-1846 and interim Governor of Alta California 1835-1836. Deeded by him February 7, 1849 to Patrick Breen, Senior, pioneer and member of the Donner Party of 1846. Has since remained in the possession of his family. This marker placed by the Historic Names and Sites Committee of the California Historical Society, August 21, 1932 Castro/Breen Adobe and Plaza Hotel The Castro/Breen adobe is associated with the early development and settlement of Mexican California. The adobe is an excellent example of blended eastern and western building methods first produced in Monterey to form the Monterey Colonial architectural style. The adobe served as headquarters and residence to Jose Antonio Castro, Commandant General of Alta California, and later to Donner Party survivors Patrick Breen and family. The Plaza Hotel originated as a one-story adobe barracks and two-story guardhouse for soldiers protecting Mission San Juan Bautista across the street. After secularization in 1835, the building became a home and general store for the Anzar family. The building was rented and later sold to Italian immigrant Angelo Zanetta who added a wooden second story and opened the Plaza Hotel in January 1859. The hotel became noted for its fine cuisine and liquors. In the 1860s San Juan Bautista became a stop for seven stagecoach lines. The hotel welcomed travelers, business men, and traveling salesmen. When the New Idria quicksilver mine opened just to the southeast, even more patrons frequented the hotel. State Registered Historical Landmarks No. 179 & 180 Plaque placed by the Native Sons of the Golden West, the California State Parks Foundation, and California State Parks Rededicated 2014, the 150th anniversary of California State Parks

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Plaza Hotel — steps away
• Mission San Juan Bautista and Plaza — steps away
• Fremont Peak — 6.2 mi
• Battle of Natividad — 6.2 mi