It was the year 1794 and Francisco Avila had just crossed the Mexican border to set up his cattle ranches in the newly established Spanish settlement (there were no border guards then). As his ranch picked up business and he eventually found himself mayor of 415 people, he built Avila Adobe in 1818. From La Bria Tar Pits came the gritty, black substance. From the LA River came moist, red clay and wood. In a harmonious medley, they were brought together and shaped into a mansion speaking of its Spanish, Mission and Ranchero roots. With a flick, he granted the house a vast courtyard with an open kitchen. A clap and the house’s interiors reflected his faith through the crosses hung up on the unpainted walls.

Today, it remains the oldest extant residential unit in Los Angeles that harkens back to a time when California was still under the Mexicans. For a taste of the real wild, wild West, take a tour of Avila Adobe.