Last updated: November 20, 2024
Place
Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum
Photo/Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum
Quick Facts
Location:
15415 Don Julian Rd, City of Industry, CA 91745; 20 miles east of Los Angeles
Significance:
The Workman family used the trail to migrate from New Mexico to greater Los Angeles in 1841 and became a prominent family in this region over nearly the next century.
Designation:
Certified Site; the Workman House and El Campo Santo Cemetery have California historic landmark status. La Casa Nueva (Temple House) is on the National Register.
Native of England William Workman, spouse Nicolasa Urioste, who hailed from Taos, New Mexico and their children, Margarita and José, left their home in Taos in fall 1841 and used the Old Spanish Trail to migrate to greater Los Angeles as political problems involving the proposed expansion of the Republic of Texas created much instability and uncertainty in New Mexico. Over 35 years, the Workmans built a successful cattle and farm operation on the Rancho La Puente, east of Los Angeles.
A bank co-owned with their son-in-law, F.P.F. Temple, failed in 1876, however, and devastated the family's finances. Two of the sons of Margarita Workman and F.P.F. Temple retained ownership of the Workman House and 75 acres around it until the end of the 19th century, when it was lost to foreclosure. A third son, Walter P. Temple, purchased the property in 1917 with money realized from oil wells and significantly renovated the ranch, including at the Workman House and the nearly destroyed El Campo Santo Cemetery, while, with his wife, Laura González, designing and building La Casa Nueva, a remarkable Spanish Colonial Revival home with many historical references in its decoration.
By the Great Depression, however, real estate and oil investments led to financial reverses and the ranch was lost to foreclosure. A military school and convalescent hospital occupied the site until the City of Industry acquired and restored a portion, with the Homestead Museum opening in 1981. See www.homesteadmuseum.org. A mile away is the Rowland House, an 1855 residence built by the family who migrated from New Mexico with the Workmans and co-owned Rancho La Puente.
Site Information
Location (15415 Don Julian Rd, City of Industry, CA 91745; 20 miles east of Los Angeles)
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