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Mother Colony House: Anaheim's Historic Heart

Step back in time at Anaheim's oldest home, the Mother Colony House, and discover the city's fascinating origins in Founders' Park.

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The Mother Colony House, Anaheim's oldest surviving wood-framed building, offers a glimpse into the city's 1857 founding by German colonists. Built by George Hansen, the 'Father of Anaheim,' this American Territorial style cottage showcases early settler life with its redwood construction and period furnishings. Now a museum in Founders' Park, it stands as a symbol of Anaheim's heritage.

A brief summary to Mother Colony House

Local tips

  • Check the City of Anaheim website for the most up-to-date tour schedules and special events at the Mother Colony House.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through Founders' Park to enjoy the Moreton Bay Fig Tree and the Woelke-Stoffel House.
  • Visit the house on the first Saturday of the month between 9 am and 12 pm for a self-guided tour.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Anaheim Packing District, head north on Anaheim Blvd, then turn right onto Sycamore St. Turn left onto N West St, and walk a short distance to Founders' Park at 400 N West St. The Mother Colony House is located within the park. This is a walk of about 15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The Anaheim Regional Transportation (ART) system provides bus service throughout Anaheim. Check the A-Way WeGo app for routes and schedules to the Mother Colony House. Several bus routes stop near Founders' Park, including Route 42, which stops at Lincoln Avenue and West Street. From there, it's a short walk north on West Street to the park. A single ride fare is typically around $4.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From Disneyland, a taxi or ride-share to the Mother Colony House will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The typical cost is estimated to be between $15 and $25. Ask your driver to take you to 400 N West St, Anaheim, CA 92805.

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Discover more about Mother Colony House

The Mother Colony House, nestled in Anaheim's Founders' Park, stands as a tangible link to the city's origins. Built in 1857 by George Hansen, superintendent of the Los Angeles Vineyard Society and known as the 'Father of Anaheim,' the house represents the humble beginnings of a German wine-making colony. Constructed in the American Territorial style with redwood, the cottage originally consisted of just three rooms, later expanded in the 1870s. Its single gable roof, adorned with decorative crests and flaring eaves, reflects the architectural trends of the time. The house has been moved twice since its original location. Over the years, the Mother Colony House has been home to several prominent Californians, including Señora Vicenta Sepulveda de Carrillo and saloon owner Frederick Ruhmann. Saved from demolition in the 1920s by the Daughters of the American Revolution, it became a museum in 1929 and was designated a State Historical Landmark in 1950. Today, the Anaheim Public Library supervises the house, with the Mother Colony House Advisory Board ensuring its preservation. Visitors can explore the three rooms, filled with antique furniture, artifacts, and mementos that evoke the atmosphere of early Anaheim. The house offers a unique insight into the challenges and triumphs of the city's founders and the evolution of Southern California. Adjacent to the Woelke-Stoffel House, another historical gem, and set within the charming Founders' Park, the Mother Colony House provides a serene and educational experience.

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