San Juan Capistrano in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Don Juan Avila Building

Photographed by Adam Margolis, June 2, 2022

1. Don Juan Avila Building Marker

Inscription. Avila, "El Rico," was the original grantee of Rancho Niguel, owner of the Avila Adobe, and a first trustee for the San Juan Elementary School District in the 1850's.

Erected by Ortega Ranch.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Hispanic Americans • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 33° 30.299′ N, 117° 39.388′ W. Marker is in San Juan Capistrano, California, in Orange County. It can be reached from Rancho Viejo Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Juan Capistrano CA 92675, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles

and in the Peninsular Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Don Jose Antonio Yorba Building

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Chief Clarence Lobo Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Don Gaspar de Portola Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Feliciano Rios Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Don Juan Forester Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jose Francisco Ortega Building (about 400 feet away); Old Mission Cemetery (about 600 feet away); Capistrano Home Like Mission at Old Town (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Juan Capistrano.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, June 2, 2022

2. Don Juan Avila Building Marker

Marker can be seen on the left side of the building's entrance.

<i>Portrait of Don Juan Avila...</i> image. Click for full size.

courtesy of the University of Southern California Digital Library and the CA Historical Society, circa 1874

3. Portrait of Don Juan Avila...

"Photographic portrait of Don Juan Avila, known as Don Juan "El Rico" at San Juan Capistrano, ca.1874. He is visible at center looking straight ahead and is mounted on a small pinto horse that is facing right. Don Juan is dressed in a Spanish costume that consists of a dark jacket, striped pants and a broad-brimmed hat. He is riding in a Western saddle with large stirrups."

Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 382 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 7, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 2. submitted on June 3, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3. submitted on June 7, 2022. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Street name, address, nearest cross street, direction, etc. • Can you help?