Historical Marker · No. 534
Vaca-Peña Adobe
Vacaville, Solano County · California
Erected by Vacaville Parlor No. 293, Native Daughters of the Golden West; California State Park Commission, 1955
The 1955 bronze says the adobe is still owned by the families' descendants; two years later it left them, and in 1961 it went to the city. Juan Felipe Peña and Juan Manuel Cabeza Vaca came from New Mexico by the Old Spanish Trail in 1841 and built adobes here in 1842, and Vaca's fell in the earthquake of 1892. Their title was not confirmed until 1858. The grant's name is traced to Puta-toi, a Patwin village on Putah Creek. The city's own plaque welcomes walkers in Spanish, beside a Pioneer Monument crediting settlers with bringing civilization.
What the plaque says
Rancho Los Putos This is the site of Rancho Los Putos of 10 square leagues, granted in 1845 by Governor Pio Pico to Juan Felipe Peña and Manuel Cabeza Vaca. The Peña adobe, erected here in 1842, is still owned by descendants of the Peña-Vaca families. The town of Vacaville, nearby, was established in 1851 on land sold by Vaca to William McDaniel. Historical Landmark No. 534 Plaque erected September 18, 1955, by Vacaville Parlor No. 293, Native Daughters of the Golden West, in cooperation with the California State Park Commission. Peña Adobe Park City of Vacaville Juan Manuel Vaca Juan Felipe Peña Dedicated to the Peña and Vaca families who in 1842 settled what became the Rancho Los Putos, choosing this valley for their homes. Pause and enjoy the heritage of the hills, lake and valley which the pioneers called Laguna. Bienvenidos amigos caminantes a un descanso en la serenidad de este valle encantado
Where it stands
38.33757, -122.01533 · Directions