National Register of Historic Places

Sites Listed in the National Register Located in San Juan Capistrano

The National Register of Historic Places is the nation's official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. Authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect our historic and archaeological resources. Properties listed in the Register include districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture. According to the National Register of Historic Places as of October 14, 2009, the following are listed in the Register for San Juan Capistrano (links to the National Register nomination forms are provided as available and are generally between 4 MB and 7 MB PDFs).

All photo credits this page: City of San Juan Capistrano

Casa de Esperanza

Added 1990 - Building - Number 90001484
Also known as Blas Aguilar Adobe (PDF)
31806 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano

The Blas Aguilar Adobe is owned by the City of San Juan Capistrano, located just at the north side of Historic Town Center Park. The non-profit Blas Aguilar Adobe Foundation operates a museum and cultural center at the Adobe under a curator agreement with the City. Exhibits focus on the community's history, especially that of the local indigenous people, including the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation and their descendants. The museum is open on weekends and by appointment by calling 949-493-0959.

Congdon, Joel R., House

Added 2002 - Building - Number 02000801
32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano
Congdon, Joel R., House (PDF)

The Joel Congdon House is also owned by the City and is surrounded by South Coast Farms, located on the northwest corner of Alipaz Street and Camino Del Avion, just east of the City's Community Center and Sports Park. Under a license agreement with the City, the Congdon House and grounds have been transformed by a non-profit The Ecology Center to educate the public on a variety of sustainable living concepts and practices. Go to the Ecology Center website to find out more information.

Egan, Richard, House

Added 2017 - Building - Number SG10000046931892 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano

Egan House was constructed in 1883 by Judge Richard Egan. Also known as "Harmony Hall", the story-and-a-half Renaissance Revival building was the town courthouse as well as Judge Egan's private residence on the upper story. Judge Egan served as Justice of the Peace for San Juan Capistrano there from 1870 to 1890.

Esslinger Building

Added 1988 - Building - Number 8800055731866
Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
Esslinger Building (PDF)

Esslinger Building was constructed in 1939 by Dr. Paul Esslinger. The medical building was constructed using pour-in-place concrete and is one of the best examples of Streamline Moderne architecture in Orange County. Esslinger Building housed one of the most advanced medical practices of its time, offering services such as eye-ear-nose treatments, operations, diathermy, X-rays, and laboratory work. It was restored in 2003 and now serves as an office building.

Forster, Frank A., House

Added 1986 - Building - Number 8600240527182 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano
Forster, Frank A., House (PDF)

Harrison House

Added 1979 - Building - Number 79000515)
27832 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano; site also includes Parra Adobe
Harrison House (PDF)

Hot Springs Road

Added 1977 - District - Number 77001615
Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano

Los Rios Street Historic District

Added 1983 - District - Number 83001216
31600-31921 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano
Los Rios Street Historic District (PDF)

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Added 1971 - Building - Number 71000170
Camino Capistrano and Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano (PDF)

Montanez Adobe

Added 1975 - Building - Number 75000450

31745 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, within Los Rios Park; also a contributing structure to the Los Rios Historic District. Built in 1794, one of three such adobes remaining on Los Rios Street. Named for Polonia Montanez, who was a village midwife and gave religious instruction to children; she was the owner of record in 1850. Archaeological and late 1800s period displays. Included in docent-guided walking tours on Saturdays and Sundays; also open to the public by volunteer docents, mid-day most days of the week.

Parra, Miguel, Adobe

Added 1978 - Building - Number 78000731
Also known as Parra Adobe (PDF)
27832 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano; site also includes Harrison House

Stroschein, Carl, House

Added 2009 - Building - Number 09000823
31682 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano

Williams, Roger Y., House

Added 2007 - Building - Number 06001237
Also known as the Swanner House
29991 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
Williams, Roger Y., House (PDF)

Yorba, Domingo Adobe and Casa Manuel Garcia

Added 1982 - Building - Number 82002222
31781 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
Yorba, Domingo Adobe and Casa Manuel Garcia (PDF)

1-story Domingo Yorba Adobe and 2-story Manuel Garcia Adobe:

Barns: