Neary-Rodriguez Adobe (Oldest Building in Santa Cruz), Santa Cruz

The Neary-Rodriguez Adobe, nestled in Santa Cruz, stands as the oldest structure in the city, dating back to approximately 1810. It is a significant historical site within the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park. Originally constructed as a duplex, the adobe served dual purposes: one side accommodated the mission commander and his family, while the other housed subordinates. This layout reflects the hierarchical structure of mission life during the Spanish colonization of California.

Over time, the adobe transformed, including the addition of a second story in the mid-19th century. Originally part of the broader Santa Cruz Mission, the building's history is deeply intertwined with the early Spanish and Native American heritage of the area. The Neary and Rodriguez families, the building's namesake occupants, lived in the adobe post-1834 after the secularization of the mission, marking a shift from religious to civilian use.

The adobe has been meticulously preserved, maintaining much of its original architectural integrity. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, a testament to its historical and cultural significance. Visitors to the Neary-Rodriguez Adobe can explore six of its original eight rooms, experiencing the traditional stucco roofs and adobe walls that exemplify mission-era construction. The site offers a tangible connection to the past, illustrating life during a pivotal period in California's history.