The Rios Adobe
Artist
Scott FitzGerald
Date1974
MediumPrint
Dimensions8 x 10 in. (20.3 x 25.4 cm)
ClassificationsPrintmaking
Credit LineGift of Dan and Cathy Thomas
Object number2020.011
DescriptionSan Juan Capistrano is the site if “La Casa de los Rios,” the oldest adobe in Orange County. Built in 1794 by Feliciano Rios, the adobe has survived without major restoration and is still occupied by the lineal descendants of the original owner.Feliciano Rios, a soldier of Spain, came to San Juan Capistrano from Mexico in 1784. He was assigned to the garrison at the mission for ten years. Upon completion of his service he began construction of the adobe with the aid of the mission Indians. Possession of the adobe later passed to Santiago Rios, the last known son of Feliciano. Santiago served as Justice of the Peace at Capistrano from 1842-1843. In 1843, under Governor Micheltorena, Santiago Rios was granted 7.7 acres – the smallest grant in Orange County. In 1862, Santiago’s nephew, Gregorio Rios, took possession of the adobe, and reputedly increased the size of the Rios property to 1700 acres. Local legends claim that Gregorio sheltered Joaquin Murrieta, the infamous bandido, in a secret loft in one of the adobe’s bedrooms.
Despite the ravages of man and time, the tick walls of the Rios adobe still stand today at 31781 Los Rios, San Juan Capistrano.
(October 1974)
Written by the artist, Scott Fitzgerald
On View
Not on view
