Goleta in Santa Barbara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Stow House
Photographed by Adam Margolis, June 4, 2026
1. Stow House Marker
Pioneering Goleta Ranch
The Stow House was built in 1872 by Sherman P. Stow (1851-1907). His father, W.W. Stow, a wealthy San Francisco attorney, had established the ranch for Sherman by acquiring over 1,000 acres of La Patera Tract land and water rights to a foothill creek.
As manager of Rancho La Patera, Sherman was a pioneer in the development of commercial lemon growing and crop irrigation in the Goleta Valley. Sherman and his wife, Ida G. (Hollister) Stow (1851-1927), raised their six children here.
The Stow Family
Members of the Stow family lived on and managed Rancho La Patera for nearly one hundred years. They were leaders in Goleta crop growing cooperatives, community activities, and politics.
Carpenter Gothic Ranch House
The Carpenter Gothic style was popular in America during the late nineteenth century. Steam-powered scroll saws and abundant milled lumber made it possible to quickly build homes with elaborate decorations.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Architecture • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.
Location. 34° 26.572′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Central Coast, specifically on the Coast Ranges, and specifically in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, on 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Stow House (a few steps from this marker); Bunkhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Stow House (within shouting distance of this marker); Goleta Depot (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); United States Marine Corps Aviation Memorial
Photographed by Adam Margolis, June 4, 2026
2. Stow House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2026, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 18, 2026, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
