Background

Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos (D.A.N.A.) was organized in 1999 as a private, nonprofit public benefit corporation under the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law for public and charitable purposes. The primary purpose of the group upon its incorporation was to take over stewardship and restoration of one of the most important historical structures in California — the Dana Adobe — located in Nipomo, California. In 2004, D.A.N.A. assumed ownership of the adobe from the San Luis Obispo County Historical Society, which had owned it since 1954.

The Dana Adobe is a 13-room adobe residence, the construction of which began in 1839 and was completed in 1851. The adobe is distinguished as the most historic residence in the County of San Luis Obispo. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated a California State Historic Landmark (No. 1033).

The adobe was built by Captain William G. Dana as his family residence. Captain Dana played an important role in the history of California, both before and after it achieved statehood. The adobe was erected on the 37,888-acre Rancho Nipomo, which Captain Dana received in 1837 through one of the first and largest of the Mexican land grants.

The Dana Adobe was the only house between San Luis Obispo and Los Alamos on the road to Santa Barbara, and for several years provided the only stopping place between Mission San Luis Obispo and Mission Santa Ines. It’s proximity to the coast offered convenient access to shipping for both coastal and foreign trade. As a result, Rancho Nipomo became the center of agriculture and commerce for a hundred-mile stretch of the California coast, and Captain Dana became one of the three most prominent foreign traders in California.

Vision

Since its inception, D.A.N.A. has expanded its vision and purpose significantly. The organization is now striving to create an historical park with the Dana Adobe as its centerpiece. Most of the land of the original Rancho Nipomo has given way to private and commercial development. However, much of the land immediately surrounding the adobe remains relatively intact and in its original form, preserving its geological, archeological, and paleontological significance. The land includes a nearly one-half mile stretch of Nipomo Creek, providing a biologically rich riparian habitat along the Pacific Coast migratory flyway.

Preservation of this magnificent landscape is now a fundamental component of the D.A.N.A. mission. D.A.N.A. recently completed the acquisition of the 100-acre viewshed immediately adjacent to the adobe. The organization is also eyeing additional parcels in the immediate vicinity.

The plans for the historical park are ambitious. D.A.N.A. intends to recreate Rancho Nipomo much as it was in the mid-nineteenth century. This would provide an authentic setting in which visitors can step back in time. The organization plans to conduct living history presentations that will not only instruct but also involve visitors in the culture and activities of the times.

Plans include the reconstruction of the original Rancho Nipomo outbuildings as well as the construction of a visitor center and museum. D.A.N.A. has already assembled a collection of historic and prehistoric artifacts from the Nipomo area for display in the museum. The collection includes rare Ice Age mega fauna specimens with Clovis culture association.

Community Involvement

For quite some time, D.A.N.A. has been involved with the community through a variety of programs that include:

Funding

D.A.N.A. conducts a continuing capital campaign to raise funds from a variety of sources, including:

For More Information

For more information on Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos, the Dana Adobe, or Rancho Nipomo, contact:

DANA Herb Kandel
Phone: 805-929-5679 Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos
Email: dana@danaadobe.org Phone: 805-922-4490
Email: hkandel@slonet.org

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