Submitted by County of Riverside
On May 9, 2025, the California State Historical Resources Commission (SHRC) unanimously approved the nomination of the Trujillo Adobe to the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A, recognizing its association with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history.
Located at 3669 W. Center Street, Riverside, the Trujillo Adobe was built in 1862 and stands as the last surviving structure of the historic San Salvador (Agua Mansa-La Placita) settlement, one of the earliest in the San Bernardino Valley. Established by Genízaro families from Abiquiú, New Mexico, the community was rooted in agriculture, ranching, and trade along the Old Spanish Trail before being devastated by flooding in 1862. That same year, the Trujillo family rebuilt on higher ground, constructing the adobe that would house generations of descendants and preserve their legacy.
Owned by the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District (RivCoParks), the Trujillo Adobe has been a focal point of historic preservation and community partnership. RivCoParks has long supported efforts to protect and restore the site, recently releasing a Request for Qualifications for Historic Architectural Services as part of its plan to rehabilitate the adobe and develop a comprehensive master plan for the property’s future use as a historic interpretive center.
“This recognition affirms the importance of the Trujillo Adobe not just to Riverside County, but to California’s broader cultural story. It also highlights the power of public stewardship and community advocacy working together over many years.” said Kyla Brown, RivCoParks General Manager.
The Spanish Town Heritage Foundation (STHF), led by President Nancy Melendez, has played a crucial role in preserving the site, raising awareness through education and events like the annual Tamale Festival, which supports future programming at the Adobe.
“The National Register of Historic Places’ recognition of the Trujillo Adobe is a culmination of over five decades of advocacy by Trujillo and La Placita descendants. This recognition affirms the significance of Latino history in American history, and the Trujillo Adobe serves as an exemplary representation of this narrative.”
The National Register nomination was prepared by Jennifer Mermilliod of JMRC Historic Research and Consulting and Mary Ringhoff of Architectural Resources Group. For more information on RivCoParks’ preservation efforts or the Trujillo Adobe project, please contact Gaby Adame, Planning and Development – Bureau Chief at GabyAdame@rivco.org.
