Interpreting a Changing Cultural Landscape – A California Rancho

Summary

The Dana Adobe, site of an 1837 Mexican Land Grant issued to William Goodwin Dana, provides a model example of a managed landscape with a story to tell. This chronicle, situated on the Central California Coast, includes the prehistoric past, rancho period, emergence of statehood, the American Period, and a look to the future in the stewardship and management of the land and resources.  This unique 130 acre site, which is a California State Historic Landmark and on the National Registry, is owned and managed by a private, non-profit 501c3 organization, the Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos. This organization has completed a full restoration of the original Dana residence and is presently completing a Nature Education Facility that includes an expanded children’s and adult public education program, interpretive nature trails, repaired riparian restoration, and a Native American interpretive area, all while maintaining its original viewshed.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• The Archaeology of Spanish and Mexican Ranchos: Daily life, labor, and heritage management   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2017

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 307