There Are 3 Must-See Historic Landmarks In The Charming Town Of Goleta In Southern California

The charming town Goleta is situated in larger Santa Barbara County in sunny Southern California. Goleta was once home to the native Chumash people who settled there for more than a thousand years. In the 1500s, the area was discovered by Spanish Europeans, including famous mariner Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. Calling all history buffs! This pleasant and charming town in Southern California has a legacy that spans centuries of rich history visitors can experience today.

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In terms of historic points of interest, there are many; below are three must-visit sites in this charming small town in Southern California:

Rancho La Patera & Stow House c.1873, 304 N Los Carneros Rd, Goleta, CA 93117, USA

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In 1871, William Whitney Stow decided to build a ranch that was to be the jewel of agricultural innovation. He bought over 1,000 acres in Goleta Valley and planted almond, walnut, and lemon trees. The ranch proved successful, and while growing a family, Stow also managed to help found the Johnston Fruit Company and act as a major political figure of his time. William Stow moved into the Victorian home in 1873 with his wife, Ida G. Hollister. The ranch became a family business, with William’s son, State Senator Edgar Whitney Stow, creating a research laboratory nearby. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the ranch’s gardens, guided tours of the Stow house, and learn more at the History Education Center. There is also a museum store on site.

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South Coast Railroad Museum, 300 N Los Carneros Rd, Goleta, CA 93117, USA

South Coast Railroad Museum/Facebook

Facebook/ South Coast Railroad Museum

This train station dates back to 1901! With the help of a preservation society and the South Coast Railroad Museum, the train station acts as a living museum as it sits open to visitors in friendly Goleta, California. The museum offers visitors a look at an authentic Southern Pacific caboose, elaborately accurate model train sets, children’s and community programs, and a chance to drive a real handcar.

Barnsdall Rio Grande Service Station, 7825 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117, USA

Dreamyshade, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Marvin E. Collins, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The gas station was built in 1929 as the entrance to the profitable Ellwood Oil Fields. It was the flagship station for Ellwood Oil, standing over 40 feet tall in a Spanish Colonial style. So, what happened? In 1947, State Highway 101 was rerouted, and by the 1950s, the Barnsdall-Rio Grande Service Station closed its doors. The service station has since made its Hollywood appearance in the 1980 film, "The Postman Always Rings Twice." Please note that the building is not a museum. Visitors can view the structure near the corner of Las Armas Road and Hollister Avenue in Goleta, California.

Those who visit Goleta leave with a real appreciation for the diverse history and culture of the town. It is a place you’ll want to see again and again.

For more information about the Stow House, check out their website. It’s also a good idea to take a look at the South Coast Railroad Museum’s website to plan the perfect trip.

While you’re in the area, you’ll want to check out this beautiful state park in SoCal and take a short hike to its wind caves.