San Juan Capistrano in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Welcome to the Los Rios Historic District
The District has many interesting architectural styles spanning two centuries. Three homes are made of adobe and are the only ones remaining of 40 adobes originally built in 1794 by Indian neophytes. Nearly 1,000 neophytes lived and worked around Mission San Juan Capistrano. The most common structures on Los Rios Street are board and batten homes built between 1887 and 1910. It is this collection of single-wall-construction homes that qualified it for the National Register. A few of the homes have been built since 1920, but stringent guidelines make sure new construction is compatible in size and design.
The District also includes River Street, originally a narrow dirt road whose history is linked to that of Los Rios Street, having served as the main path across Trabuco Creek, connecting the town to the ocean. Finally, the District includes the Santa Fe Railroad Depot which has served as a vital element of the community since its construction in 1894.
Although constructed over a long period of time, the small homes of the Los Rios Historic District create a cohesive neighborhood which retains the small town character of San Juan Capistrano at the turn of the century. The homes possess a striking unity and an unassuming quality of design. Many have been restored, such as the home of Albert Pryor, now the O'Neill Museum.
Please enjoy your visit to the Los Rios Historic District, a special part of San Juan Capistrano's history. You are welcome to stroll the quiet streets and capture the feeling of San Juan Capistrano a century ago. Most of the homes are privately owned and occupied and can only be viewed from the street. While all have interesting stories, a few are highlighted on this plaque.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical date for this entry is April 4, 1778.
Location. 33° 30.072′ N, 117° 39.852′ W. Marker is in San Juan Capistrano, California, in Orange County. Marker is at the intersection of Verdugo Street and Los Rios Street, on the left when traveling west on Verdugo Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano CA 92675, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rios Adobe (a few steps from this marker); Welcome to Our Petting Zoo (a few steps from this marker); Combs House (within shouting distance of this marker); Los Rios Street Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); "Oliveras Home" (within shouting distance of this marker); Los Rios Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Capistrano Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Capistrano Depot (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Juan Capistrano.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 16, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 24, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 760 times since then and 28 times this year. Last updated on May 11, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1. submitted on January 24, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 2. submitted on April 17, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on April 18, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4, 5. submitted on January 24, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 6. submitted on April 18, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 7, 8. submitted on January 24, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.