From the Classroom

The Petaluma Adobe Ranch

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  • "The following is a student created blog regarding the history of the Petaluma Watershed. This blog is part of a series from students at Casa Grande participating in the Watershed Classroom with educators Paula Biancalana and Jolene Thinnes."

The Petaluma Adobe was a working ranch located on the 67,000 acre parcel of land known as Rancho Petaluma and owned by General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. The parcel was located in the ideal place, with an excellent water supply, gentle climate and rich soil. The water for the Adobe was supplied by Adobe Creek, which ran alongside the structure. The creek provided not only water for the Petaluma Adobe, but also a food supply of fish for the workers and a source for irrigation for the crops. Despite the grand success of the Adobe, it began to crumble as it was sold many times over the years. After repairs to the fragile roof and the development of a long range program of restoration, the building stands as a historical landmark used for educating the public and reminding passersby of the Petaluma before Petaluma.

By Megan Groverman