Hill-Carrillo Adobe

Santa Barbara's first city council met in 1850 in a private house, and kept meeting here through the decade by the owner's leave. Daniel Hill had arrived from Massachusetts in 1823 and built the adobe in 1826 for Rafaela Luisa Ortega y Olivera, granddaughter of the presidio's first comandante, giving it wooden floors and glass windows shipped from Boston when packed earth was the norm. A city with no building of its own governed out of one of the best rooms in town.

What the plaque says

Hill-Carrillo Adobe Built in 1826 by Daniel Hill of Massachusetts for his bride Rafaela Luisa Ortega y Olivera, granddaughter of José Francisco Ortega, founder and first comandante of the Royal Presidio of Santa Barbara. Later occupied by the family of Guillermo Carrillo. Here in 1850, the first city council met. Preserved and presented to Santa Barbara Foundation by Major and Mrs. Max C. Fleischmann. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 721 Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with Santa Barbara Foundation November 29, 1960.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Old Lobero Theatre — steps away
• Site of Royal Spanish Presidio of Santa Barbara — steps away
• Santa Barbara County Courthouse — steps away
• De La Guerra Plaza — steps away