1834 The main part of the adobe was built by ex-Mission Indians at the end of the Mission Period.
1845 Andres Pico leased the entire San Fernando Valley.
1846 The Americans invaded California. In order to raise funds in her defense, the Mexican government authorized Governor Pio Pico to sell the San Fernando Valley to Don Eulogio de Celis. The property conveyed was called "Rancho Ex-Mission of San Fernando" and in the transfer the Mission Church and its appurtances were reserved.
1853 General Andres Pico bought back from de Celis 2000 acres including the house (acquired from de Celis an undivided half-interest including the house) but made the Convento at the San Fernando Mission his rancho home for 20 years.
1873 Andres Pico sold to George E. Porter, but reserved 100 acres, including the adobe, which became known as the "Pico Reserve." The adobe was remodeled more in keeping with the American period and became the home of Romulo and Catarina Pico.
1930 Dr. Mark R. Harrington and his wife purchased the adobe from the Lopez family estate, which at the time consisted of 20 acres. When the Harringtons found it, the adobe walls were standing but the roof was gone. The adobe was a victim of vandals who had removed the floor joists, windows, fireplace bricks and anything else of use; treasure hunters who had left huge holes from their search for buried treasure; and the elements. So neglected was it that the palms and blue grass were dying and only a few sickly cannas were growing. In the orchard was one withered lime tree and a few timid sprouts of vanished Mission Olive trees.
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San Fernando Valley Historical Society
Andres Pico Adobe * Box 7039/10940 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills, CA 91346 * 818 365-7810