Sonoma in Sonoma County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Ray Adobe
1847 - 1849
Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 10, 2009
1. Ray Adobe Marker
Built by 1846 Missouri emigrants John and Harriet Ray in 1847. After his success in the Rose Bar Gold Fields, the large adobe portion was added in 1849 by Indian labor to the wooden house on the east end. It was leased as headquarters for officers of the U.S. Army until 1852. Successive home to and restoration by the families Adler, Black, Heine, Shields, Whitelow and Forrest.
Ned Forrest, Architect, 1995
Erected 1995.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.
Location. 38° 17.6′ N, 122° 27.167′ W. Marker is in Sonoma, California, in Sonoma County. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 205 East Spain Street, Sonoma CA 95476, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Trinity Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sonoma Community Center (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sonoma Brewing Company (about 700 feet away); Vella Cheese Factory
this page online
Regarding Ray Adobe. This is a private residence. Please respect the owner's privacy while viewing this site and marker.
Additional commentary.
1. William T. Sherman
William T. Sherman lived here when stationed in Sonoma in 1849. Known as Ray House and also Adler Adobe, double-story frame and adobe residence served as officers mess until Army left Sonoma in 1852. It was also site of Masonic Lodge organized by several officers of garrison.
Source: California Military Museum
— Submitted January 12, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
2. The Ray Adobe
The Monterey style adobe and wooden structure is basically unmodified. It features a two-story broad veranda on the north erected by John Ray, a Virginian,
Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 10, 2009
2. Ray Adobe Masonic Marker
The Ray Adobe
On April 9, 1851, a number of Masons met in this building and formed the Sonoma Masonic Lodge under the personal dispensation of the Most Worshipful Grand Master J.D. Stevenson.
The Sonoma Masonic Lodge was chartered on May 6, 1851 as Temple Lodge No.14 and held their meetings here from 1851 to 1865.
The Sonoma Masonic Lodge was chartered on May 6, 1851 as Temple Lodge No.14 and held their meetings here from 1851 to 1865.
During the occupation of California by U.S. Troops, the house served as Officer’s Mess for Colonel E. Stevenson’s detachment. The upstairs also served as a Masonic meeting hall, the first north of San Francisco.
Source: The Sonoma Walking Tour Brochure.
— Submitted January 12, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 10, 2009
3. Ray Adobe Markers
Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 10, 2008
4. Ray Adobe
Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 10, 2009
5. Ray Adobe
Photographed By Syd Whittle, January 10, 2009
6. Ray Adobe
Photographed By Roger Sturtevant, Photographer, February 12, 1934
7. Ray House
Historic American Buildings Survey (Library of Congress)
HABS CAL,49-SONO,4-
Click for more information.
HABS CAL,49-SONO,4-
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 12, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,294 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 12, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on February 5, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5, 6. submitted on January 12, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 7. submitted on April 14, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
