Old Adobe Barn
Also known as: Adobe Post Office
Why it's listed
This rectangular adobe building at Yosemite Boulevard and La Grange Road in La Grange is described as the oldest structure in the community. Its walls are made of adobe bricks roughly 16 to 18 inches long and 3 to 4 inches thick, set on a slightly raised slate foundation. Both the brick construction and the foundation reflect building practices used by the Spanish before 1850 and by some of the first Californians. The building is believed to have served as a post office early in the town's history. It may have been built for that purpose in the early 1850s, or adapted for it during the gold rush years, and it may first have been a residence or ranch outbuilding. Later changes include redwood siding on the front, a wood shed attached to one side, a protective tin roof, and large wooden boards bolted to the side and rear walls to slow deterioration. Many of the wood additions appear to date from its use as a barn.
Significance in brief: The form describes it as the oldest building in La Grange. It is a representative example of adobe construction practiced by the Spanish before 1850 and by some of the first Californians. The slightly raised slate foundation is also typical of the period, and the building apparently served as an early post office, possibly adapted during the gold rush years.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 79003462, listed August 24, 1979. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Yosemite Blvd. and La Grange Rd., La Grange |
|---|---|
| County | Stanislaus County |
| Listed | August 24, 1979 |
| Reference number | 79003462 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architectural style | Adobe construction with slate foundation (pre-1850 Spanish/early Californian building practice) |
| Areas of significance | Exploration/Settlement, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Condition rated fair; present use is barn and storage, and the property is publicly owned by the county. |
| Acreage | 0.5 |
| Coordinates | 37.66377, -120.46039 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 79003462.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7083363
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.