Imagine living in a grand adobe townhouse in the heart of Old Town San Diego. That’s La Casa de Estudillo. It was once the social and religious center during the Mexican and early American periods.
La Casa de Estudillo began construction in 1827. Captain José María de Estudillo directed the build. He was commander of the San Diego Presidio. The great U-shaped house overlooks the Old Town San Diego plaza. It originally had thirteen rooms. They were set in a straight line. An external veranda connected the rooms.
The adobe walls are thick. They average three to five feet. White plaster coats them. This provided protection from heat and cold. A small round wooden cupola topped the house. The family watched bullfights and festivals in the plaza from here.
José María de Estudillo died in 1830. The house passed to his son José Antonio Estudillo. His son’s wife María Victoria Dominguez de Estudillo also lived here.
The Estudillo House became the social center of Old Town San Diego. A large hall served as the town chapel and school from the early 1830s to 1856. José Antonio and María Victoria fostered community involvement. It was considered one of the finest houses in Mexican California.
José Antonio held many public offices. He was revenue collector, treasurer, and mayor. He was also a justice of the peace and judge. María Victoria was known for her charm and hospitality. They entertained many citizens.
During the Mexican-American War María Victoria stayed in San Diego. She provided refuge behind the house’s thick walls. She gave courage to the women and children of San Diego.
Unexpected deaths left nine children orphaned. María Victoria welcomed them into her home. She raised this new family alone. She took care of the sick. She performed acts of charity.
The Estudillo family lived in the house until 1887. They moved to Los Angeles. The house gained prominence through Helen Hunt Jackson’s novel Ramona. The novel romanticized Mexican colonial life. Tourists flocked to the Estudillo House. They believed it was Ramona’s marriage place.
The house fell into ruin. Tourist vandalism was partly to blame. The caretaker sold pieces of the house as relics. John D. Spreckels purchased the house in 1906. Architect Hazel Waterman supervised its restoration.
The Estudillo House remained a Ramona-related tourist attraction for many years. In 1968, the house became part of the California State Park system. It was restored as a house museum. It is identified with the Estudillo family.
Today, La Casa de Estudillo is a National Historic Landmark. It features furnished rooms. There is a living room, master bedroom, and dining room. There is also a chapel and a working kitchen. Visitors can walk through some rooms.
La Casa de Estudillo stands as a testament to San Diego’s rich history. It reminds us of the Estudillo family. Their legacy lives on through this beautiful adobe townhouse.