Pio Pico State Historic Park
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Description
Pío de Jesus Pico is one of California’s most remarkable historical figures. He witnessed, shaped and influenced nearly a century of California history in the 1800’s. Pío Pico was the governor of California in 1832 and again in 1846 before and during the Mexican-American War. His adobe home at “El Ranchito” has been completely restored to how it appeared in the 1880’s letting visitors experience and celebrate his life and times. Born at the San Gabriel mission in 1801, his ancestry included a mixture of Spanish, African, Indian and Italian, and he lived in a time when the Spanish, Mexican and American flags flew over California. Former Governor Pico began to build his home here in about 1848, and it has seen several changes over the last 150 years. The “little ranch” and adobe home at Pio Pico State Historic Park is now surrounded by the communities of Whittier and Pico Rivera east of Los Angeles. Much has changed since Pico’s time, but for local and state-wide history, Pío Pico State Historic Park is a shining gem and testament to life in early California. Volunteers keep this fascinating heritage alive by preserving and protecting it with learning opportunities and service projects.
Additional Information
Hours
Park Hours: Friday: 9:30am-3:30pm Saturday: 9:30am-4pm Sunday: 9:30am-4pm
Historic Adobe Hours: Friday: 10am-3pm Saturday; 10am-3:30pm Sunday: 10am-3:30pm
Closed on all major holidays.
Site Overview
The five acre park encompasses historic gardens and the beautiful restored adobe home of Pío Pico. It is registered as California Historic Landmark NO. 127. A bell marks the original El Camino Real, which passed directly in front of the park during Pío Pico’s time. The park was once part of Pío Pico’s 9,000 acre ranch, Rancho Paso de Bartolo. Visitors can enjoy the park with picnics, bird watching and exploring the parks features including; a fifteen room adobe with interpretive displays, an horno (bread oven), a dovecote and a children’s archaeological sand box. The park is located near the entrance to the Greenway Bike Trail.
Park Activities
Guided tours of the adobe are offered by appointment only except on weekends. Groups of 10 or more need to reserve ahead of time.
Interpretive school group programs aligned to California Education Content Standards are offered Wednesday-Friday. Guided programs are limited to 40 students, and self-guided programs are limited to 60 students. Schools must make advance reservations by calling the park at 562-695-1217 or emailing piopico@parks.ca.gov.
Special events, such as “Coming Home to Pio Pico” the first Saturday in May and “A Walk Through Early California” in September are opportunities for visitors to join State Parks and the Friends of Pio Pico in lively and fun filled days that highlight the historical significance of the park. Living History Days and special service learning projects also continue throughout the year. For information, please contact the park at 562-695-1217 or email piopico@parks.ca.gov. You can also visit the Friends of Pio Pico website at http://www.piopico.org/.