Dana Adobe, Nipomo CA

Dana Adobe, 671 Oakglen Street, Nipomo, CA danaadobe.org

Nipomo is located north of Santa Maria and south of Arroyo Grande near Interstate 101 in San Luis Obispo County, Calif. Nipomo (ne-po-mah) is an Indian word meaning at the foot of the hill or mountain.

Dana Adobe in Nipomo is operated as a museum and provides a living history of the past. It is open Sunday afternoons for several hours.

The home of Captain W.G. Dana who lived from 1797 to 1858 and became a Mexican citizen in 1835, provides an incredibly interesting tour and insight into the rancho era, thanks to some knowledgeable docents who provide information & tours. Dana eventually received a land grant (a rancho) of more than 37,000 acres at Nipomo, in what would later become San Luis Obispo County. Dana Rancho extended from the Santa Maria River north to the present Los Berros Road, and from the Santa Lucia foothills to the shores of the Pacific. The historic landmark is operated by Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos (DANA).

William Dana was born in Boston, Mass., and became a clipper ship captain and trader in the Pacific. Granted the 37,887-acre land grant in 1837, it was the first and largest of Mexican land grants in San Luis Obispo County. Dana was in business in Santa Barbara when he applied for the land grant in 1835. It was confirmed by Gov. Juan B. Alvarado on April 6, 1837. A fantastic book, To Discourage Me is No Easy Matter, was written by his great-great grandson.