The adobe was built on a small portion of the Rancho San Rafael which was granted to José María Verdugo in 1784.

[1][2] Some sources indicate that the adobe was built for José María Verdugo's blind daughter, Catalina, who lived there until her death in 1871.

[1] The most probable date of construction was between 1828 and the 1830s, which are claimed by the City of Glendale and California Parks Service, respectively.

[3][4] Other sources indicate that Catalina lived in the adobe with Teodoro and his family up until her passing in 1861.

[8] In 1976, the adobe along with the nearby "Oak of Peace" were listed on the National Register of Historic Places.