Credit: Nuestro Stories
Located in San Juan Bautista State Historic Park, the Jose Castro house is a symbolic representation of the building of the state we now know as California. Both the Castro House – and the state – were going through a deep phase of construction between the late 1840s and the early 1850s. It was a time of political transition where Mexicans, Americans, Mexican-Americans, and whatever other term you want to use, fought for control of the province of the once Mexican province.
Jose Antonio Castro, a military leader and well-versed politician, began constructing the home in 1839. An active supporter of California self-rule and independence from Mexico, he joined the military at an early age in order to fight for his beliefs. Before that, Castro was raised in the San Juan Bautista mission, where his father, Jose Tiburcio, served as the administrator.
Who was behind the Castro house?
It was Jose who gave the land where the Castro house was built.
Through his career, Jose built political connections through his state-rule beliefs that allowed him to transition from military service (he used Castro house for an administrative base during the Mexican-American war) into political service where he was eventually appointed as the governor of Baja, California.
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Castro lived in the house until 1848, until he gave the house to Patrick Breen, a survivor of the horrific Donner Party expedition. Breen and his family arrived in San Juan Bautista in February, and were the first English speakers to live in the town. Bautista allowed the Breen family to live in Castro House rent-free until they could afford to buy it from him, which the family did after striking gold.
The house is now used as a museum, as the house has been kept in nearly pristine condition, and continues to house the same furniture, decor, and art that it did in the 19th century.
Things to know before you go:
- The Jose Castro House is located in the San Juan Bautista National Park, at the corner of Second and Washington.
- It is open to the public Tuesday – Sunday, but hours may vary. For exact hours, call 831-623-4881.
- There are a few different historical sites to visit in the San Juan Bautista Historic District – make a day of it!
Location: San Juan Bautista, CA 95045
Address: 19 Franklin St,
Pay a virtual visit here.
