On Sunday, August 16 we were excited to partner with the Chief Solano Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution as they unveiled their “America 250! Patriot Marker” at the Peña Adobe, Vacaville, to celebrate the Spanish patriots in California who contributed to the success of the American Revolution.

The event, set from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. was free and open to the public and was attended by 173 park visitors.  A reception and fiesta followed the unveiling of the bronze plaque.

Several DAR members spoke, including outgoing California State Regent Christina Ramos of San Francisco, a former Vacaville resident and the descendant of a Revolutionary War surgeon, Silas Allen.

The celebration included mariachi music by Serenatas Directo of San Jose; dancers from the Vacaville Ballet Company; and a horse demonstration led by Marco Del Campo of Cherry Glen Winery and Horses. Members of the Sacramento Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) served as color guards.

A number of DAR members have traced their lineage to the Spanish patriots residing in California who donated money in support of the American Revolution. Two members of the Chief Solano chapter—Kim Kloppenburg Clary and her cousin, Anna Peña Bandettini, both of Vacaville—trace their lineage to Juan Felipe Peña, who with Manuel Cabeza Vaca, co-founded the city of Vacaville.

Peña Adobe Historical Society docents were available and led tours of the Peña Adobe, California historical landmark #534 built by the Peña family in 1842 and the adjacent Mowers-Goheen Museum.