Orinda in Contra Costa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Joaquin Moraga Adobe
1841
Photographed By Craig Baker, September 19, 2021
1. Joaquin Moraga Adobe Marker
Built in 1841, the Joaquin Moraga Adobe in Orinda is the oldest surviving building in Contra Costa County. It has been recognized as a California State Historic Landmark since 1954, and was designated as an Orinda City Landmark in 1995.
The Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe are dedicated to preserving this important landmark and are working to provide community access to the building and grounds.
original marker, now missing:
Jose Joaquin Moraga - member of the Juan Bautista de Anza 1776 expedition. Founder and first Commandante of the Presidio of San Francisco - was the grandfather of Don Joaquin Moraga who with his cousin Don Juan Bernal was awarded this grant in 1835 which they called Rancho Laguna de los Palos Colorados. In August 1941 this property was acquired and restoration made by Katharine Brown White Irvine of Oakland. Later ownership was bequeathed to her grandson William Thornton White III.
Contra Costa County Historical Society, 1954.
California State Registration Number 509.
Erected 1954 by Contra Costa County Historical Society, and J J Ranch. (Marker Number 509.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers
this page online
Location. 37° 50.605′ N, 122° 9.233′ W. Marker is in Orinda, California, in Contra Costa County. Marker can be reached from Adobe Lane near Donna Maria Way. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 24 Adobe Ln, Orinda CA 94563, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Willow Spring School II (approx. 1.4 miles away); Old Moraga Townsite (approx. 1.4 miles away); Moraga Barn (approx. 1.4 miles away); Moraga Train Station (approx. 1.4 miles away); Hacienda de las Flores (approx. 1.6 miles away); Buehler House (approx. 1.6 miles away); Joseph Joachin Moraga (approx. 1.7 miles away); Site of Blossom Rock Navigation Trees (approx. 2˝ miles away).
More about this marker.
Moraga Adobe was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Construction of new homes near the adobe began in 2020, and the Moraga Adobe was restored to its historic configuration. The Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe are raising funds to install a plaque, and open it to the public.
Also see . . . The Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe
Photographed By Craig Baker, September 19, 2021
2. Moraga Adobe and Marker
The Adobe is being restored, in 2021.
courtesy Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe
3. Joaquin Moraga Adobe - 2024
Contra Costa County Historical Society, 1954
4. Original Marker, now missing
Contra Costa County Historical Society, 1954
5. Moraga Adobe Marker
Marker dedication ceremony, May 1954.
Contra Costa County Historical Society, 1954
6. Moraga Adobe - 1954
Contra Costa County Historical Society, 1935
7. Moraga Adobe - 1935
Credits. This page was last revised on April 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 392 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 19, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on April 16, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 20, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
