History of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe
Moraga Adobe circa 1935
Joaquin Moraga was the grandson of Joseph Joaquin Moraga (b. 1745) an early Spanish explorer in California who founded the Presidio in San Francisco, Mission Dolores, Mission Santa Clara, and the Pueblo of San Jose. In 1835, Joaquin Moraga and his cousin, Juan Bernal, received a land grant from the Mexican government including portions of Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette, and Canyon.
In 1841, Moraga settled on a piece of property overlooking the southern section of Orinda, near the present-day Orinda-Moraga city line. He built a two room adobe house, where his family lived for many years.
Moraga Adobe circa 1941
In 1941, the Adobe was restored and expanded, with the addition of modern wood-framed bedrooms in the rear, and the Adobe walls were covered.
The Adobe and the additions were renovated again in the 1960’s.
California Landmark Plaque
The Moraga Adobe has been recognized as a historical landmark by the State of California in 1954 (Landmark #509,) the City of Orinda in 1995, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The California State plaque near the front door of the adobe reads as follows: “The Joaquin Moraga Adobe—1841: Jose Joaquin Moraga—member of the Juan Bautista De Anza 1776 expedition, founder and first commandante of the Presidio of San Francisco—was the grandfather of Joaquin Moraga who with his cousin Juan Bernal was awarded this grant in 1835 which they called Rancho Laguna De Los Palos Colorados. In August 1941 this property was acquired and restoration made by Katharine Brown White Irvine of Oakland. Later ownership was bequeathed to her grandson William Thornton White III— Contra Costa County Historical Society 1954 California State Registration No. 5
Moraga Adobe, October 2008
The Moraga Adobe is privately owned and unoccupied. The overall condition of the original adobe section and the more modern addition is neglected, but the building appears sound.
The Adobe and surrounding property is purchased by J&J Ranch, developers who have boarded up the windows to prevent vandalism and trespassing.
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