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Rancho Simi: A Journey Through Time

Discover Simi Valley's rich history at Rancho Simi, a California Historical Landmark featuring the Strathearn Historical Park and Museum.

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Explore Rancho Simi, a California Historical Landmark nestled in Simi Valley. This site, home to the Strathearn Historical Park and Museum, offers a glimpse into the past, from its Chumash origins to its Spanish rancho days and its transformation into an American settlement.

A brief summary to Rancho Simi (California Historical Landmark #979)

Local tips

  • Check the Strathearn Historical Park and Museum website for events and docent-led tour schedules.
  • Explore the Chumash Native American cave paintings and our organic garden, immersing yourself in the rich history of the area.
  • Limited parking is available, especially during special events.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From central Simi Valley, navigate towards Strathearn Place. The Strathearn Historical Park and Museum is located at 137 Strathearn Place. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is a nearby landmark that can help with orientation. Parking is available on-site. Be mindful of posted parking regulations. Limited parking is available, especially during special events. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    Simi Valley Transit provides bus services in the area. Check the Simi Valley Transit website for routes and schedules to the nearest bus stop to Strathearn Place. From there, it's a short walk to the Strathearn Historical Park and Museum. A single ride fare is typically around $1.50.

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Discover more about Rancho Simi (California Historical Landmark #979)

Rancho Simi, originally known as Rancho San José de Nuestra Señora de Altagracia y Simí, stands as a significant historical landmark, bearing witness to the layered past of Simi Valley. This vast land grant, initially spanning 113,009 acres, was bestowed upon Santiago Pico in 1795, marking the beginning of a transformative era for the region. The name 'Simi' itself is derived from 'Shimiji', the name of the Chumash village that thrived in this valley for millennia before the arrival of the Spanish. The heart of Rancho Simi resides within the Strathearn Historical Park and Museum, a six-acre site dedicated to preserving and showcasing the area's rich heritage. The park's centerpiece is the Simi Adobe–Strathearn House, a structure that embodies the transition from Spanish rancho to American settlement. The original adobe, dating back to the late 1700s, served as the headquarters of the rancho. In the late 19th century, Robert P. Strathearn, a Scottish immigrant, purchased a portion of the rancho and incorporated the remaining two rooms of the adobe into his new Victorian-style ranch house. Visitors can wander through the grounds, exploring the various structures and exhibits, and imagine what life was like in Simi Valley during different eras. The park also hosts events and educational programs throughout the year, further enriching the visitor experience. Rancho Simi's story extends beyond the Strathearn Historical Park and Museum. The vast expanse of the original land grant played a significant role in the development of Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Over time, portions of the rancho were sold off and subdivided, giving rise to the communities that now dot the landscape.

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