Ortega Adobe

Emigdio Ortega built Ortega Adobe in 1857 on Main Street on the west side of Ventura, not far from the mouth of the Ventura River. It was one of many adobes built on both sides of the San Buenaventura Mission. A flood in 1866 nearly destroyed it, washing away the western half as well as the land between the house and the river. Emilio Carlos Ortega was the eleventh child of Emigdio and Aria Conception Jacinta. He had a unique hobby, collecting and growing chilis. He raised and transformed a New Mexico pepper that was large and tasty, becoming known as an Ortega Chili. In 1897 he started a small canning company in the old house he called the “Pioneer Ortega Chili Company.” It was one of the first canning businesses in the state. The adobe was used as the Ortega family’s home for more than 40 years. It was designated a City of Ventura Historic Landmark in 1974.

Ventura, Ventura County
Photographer: Andrew Schmidt