Rancho Nipomo

The bronze calls him a Boston sea captain, which is where he started. By the time the grant came in 1837, William Goodwin Dana had married into the Carrillo family, taken Mexican citizenship, and served Santa Barbara as port captain and alcalde. The 38,000 acres went to a Mexican official, not to a Yankee skipper. The family moved out here in 1839 and the adobe became the first stop on El Camino Real south of the mission.

What the plaque says

Rancho Nipomo (Captain William G. Dana Rancho) Rancho Nipomo, almost 38,000 acres in size, was granted to Boston sea captain, William Goodwin Dana, in 1837. The rancho for many years was the first stopping place on El Camino Real south of Mission San Luis Obispo. From 1839 until Dana's death in 1858, the rancho was known throughout the state as a hospitable stopping place for travelers, including Captain John C. Fremont, Edwin Bryant, and General Henry W. Halleck. In 1847 the "Dana Ranch" became one of four designated exchange points on California's first U.S. mail route. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 1033

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Chapel of San Ramon — 18 mi
• Dallidet Adobe — 20 mi
• Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa — 21 mi
• Site of Ah Louis Store — 21 mi