Don Fernando Pacheco Adobe

3119 Grant St, Concord, CA 94520, United States

 

The Don Fernando Pacheco Adobe is the only Concord landmark listed on all three Historical Registers: the entry on the National Register took place on June 6, 1980; the landmark number registered in California is 455, and the designation of the Concord Historical Landmark is 1-26-26/5458. In the early 1850s, Don Fernando established the Adobe as the base of operations for his growing ranch activities, and as the former residence of his family. Fernando was Don Salvio Pacheco's oldest son.

 

He was born on May 30, 1818, when his father was assigned to the Pueblo of San Jose's militia-guard unit. He was sent to take possession and mark the limits of his father's 17,921 acre land grant at age 17. As an initial share of the ranch, 1,500 acres were granted to Fernando. Afterwards, he married a widow, Pasquala (Figeroa) (Juarez). Their six children were raised in Adobe: Pedro, Bonifacio, Cipriana, Maria Asuncion (who married Jose Julian Cantua), Librada and Bersabe. The family of Don Fernando enjoyed a reputation as generous hosts. On Adobe's then lush, well-irrigated fields, they were renowned for their hospitality and elaborate fiestas. The 32 " thick walls of the Adobe were made of local adobe clay.

 

Up to 1918, ownership remained with the descendants of Don Fernando. The land and adobe were then sold to the Water Service Company of California; it was then essentially abandoned. In 1940, the title of 2 and 1/2 acres was transferred to Contra Costa County, which leased it to the Horsemen's Association, and the deteriorated adobe building. The Horsemen underwent a significant recovery, and used their headquarters for the then remote facility and corral. The nation sold Adobe and its land to its present owner, the City of Concord, in 1979. The Horsemen, the area, and the Concord Historical Society completed another restoration project in the early 1980s to stabilize the Adobe landmark. The Horsemen's Association is continuing its on-site operations. The Fernando Pacheco Adobe, now within the city limits, is located at 3119 Grant Street. It is next to Hillcrest Park and the marker of the De Anza Expedition Memorial.