The Petaluma Adobe, a National Historic Landmark, is the largest adobe building remaining in the United States. It was built between 1836 and 1846 by General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. Unfortunately, Vallejo was forced to sell it in 1857 and it passed through others until 1951 when the State of California acquired it and 5 surrounding acres.

Every year in May (Living History Month) we turn the clock back to the 1840’s and experience what would have been happening in the Rancho Era. In 2025, we celebrated Petaluma Adobe Living History Day where visitors met craftsmen, vaqueros, Russian Commanders, and other men and women who lived in Mexican California. We learned how to weave baskets, dip candles, braid rope, lasso with vaqueros and play historical games.

(Photos by Jerry Pozo)