Last updated: December 5, 2023
Place
Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe
Quick Facts
Location:
946 N Adobe Ave, Montebello, CA 90640
Significance:
The oldest home in the Montebello area, the Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe is a testament to the impact of settlers who arrived via the Old Spanish Trail.
Designation:
Certified Site
MANAGED BY:
The Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe was built on a Mexican land grant (Rancho La Merced) given to Casilda Soto de Lobo in 1844. Unable to pay back a loan from English-born William Workman, she sold him the property in the early 1850s. Workman passed the property to his ranch foreman, Juan Matias Sanchez, and his son-in-law, Francisco P. Temple. Despite many changes in ownership, Sanchez lived in the adobe until his death in 1882; his family remained there until 1911, after which a series of ownership changes ensued. In 1972, the Scott family (who purchased the property in 1915) granted the adobe to the city of Montebello.
The adobe's clearest connection to the Old Spanish Trail is through William Workman. He was co-leader of the Rowland-Workman party, a group of Anglo Americans and New Mexicans who migrated to California on the Old Spanish Trail in 1841. Once he arrived, Workman helped challenge the rule of unpopular Governor Manuel Micheltorena; the new governor, Pio Pico, rewarded him by enlarging the rancho he shared with expedition co-leader John Rowland. Workman would later support the American takeover of California.
Like many of his fellow travelers in 1841, Workman prospered in California, acquiring land and influence in equal measure. However, an economic panic in the 1870s cost him his house and his fortune. He died in 1876.
Site Information
Location (946 N Adobe Ave, Montebello, CA 90640)
The adobe sits on a quiet street at the eastern edge of Montebello. It has been remodeled considerably, but some of the architectural touches--such as the portales (covered walkways) ringing the building--exemplify Spanish and Mexican architectural traditions.
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