Pascual Marquez Family Cemetery

Pascual Marquez Family Cemetery: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Los Angeles Historical Sites

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled within Santa Monica Canyon, the Pascual Marquez Family Cemetery stands as a rare and significant landmark in Los Angeles County. Established in the 1840s by one of the region’s foundational Californio families, it is a direct link to the Mexican land grant era, indigenous Gabrielino (Tongva) heritage, and the evolving story of Los Angeles. Today, it remains the only surviving portion of the original Rancho Boca de Santa Monica still owned by Marquez descendants, offering a unique window into California’s multicultural past.

Access is limited due to its private status, but visitors can experience the site by appointment or through special guided tours organized by groups such as the La Señora Research Institute and the Pacific Palisades Historical Society. This comprehensive guide provides historical context, practical visiting information, preservation updates, and tips for exploring nearby attractions, ensuring a respectful and enriching experience.

For further details or to arrange a visit, contact the La Señora Research Institute, Pacific Palisades Historical Society, or review the resources listed at the end of this article. (Circling the News, History Los Angeles Blog, Los Angeles Conservancy)

Historical Overview
- The Marquez Family and Rancho Boca de Santa Monica
- Notable Burials and Events
Visitor Information
Preservation and Community Involvement
Educational and Cultural Significance
Archaeological and Historical Research
FAQs
Planning Your Visit
Summary and Visiting Tips
Sources and Further Reading

Historical Overview

The Marquez Family and Rancho Boca de Santa Monica

The cemetery was established in the 1840s as a private burial ground for the Marquez family, the original grantees of the 6,650-acre Rancho Boca de Santa Monica. This Mexican land grant, awarded in 1834 to Francisco Marquez and Ysidro Reyes, once encompassed modern-day Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, and Topanga Canyon (History Los Angeles Blog). The Marquez family’s stewardship of this land reflects the broader Californio experience—navigating the transition from Mexican to American rule, and later, the pressures of urbanization.

The cemetery is named for Pascual Marquez, Francisco’s son, who died in 1916. The continued ownership and care by Marquez descendants make the site the last remaining portion of the original rancho under family stewardship.

Notable Burials and Events

The cemetery holds the remains of about 30 individuals, including family members, friends, and possibly Gabrielino (Tongva) Indian servants. Among the most tragic chapters in its history is the 1909 botulism outbreak, where 13 people died after consuming contaminated canned peaches at a New Year’s Eve party. Ten victims were buried in a single grave, and the event remains a somber reminder of the era’s hardships (History Los Angeles Blog).

Due to age and weather, many original wooden grave markers have been lost. Recent restoration efforts have included archaeological surveys, replacement of grave markers, and the construction of the adobe boundary wall in 1926.

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Access

The cemetery is privately owned and not generally open to the public. Access is by appointment only or during special events and guided tours organized by groups such as the La Señora Research Institute and the Pacific Palisades Historical Society (Pacific Palisades Historical Society). There are no regular walk-in hours or ticket sales.

Booking a Visit: Contact the La Señora Research Institute or Pacific Palisades Historical Society via their websites or social media for upcoming tour dates.
Group Size: Tours are typically small to maintain site integrity and respect for the families.

Directions and Accessibility

Location: 783 San Lorenzo Street, Pacific Palisades, within the historic Rancho Boca de Santa Monica area (Los Angeles Conservancy).
Parking: Limited to street parking; please be respectful of neighborhood residents.
Terrain: The cemetery features uneven ground, with no paved paths or ramps. Those with mobility challenges should consult organizers before visiting.
Public Transit: Options are minimal; private vehicles or rideshare are advised.

Tickets and Donations

Admission: No set fee, but donations to support preservation are encouraged.
Tour Fees: Some special tours may request a small fee or donation. Confirm details when booking.

Etiquette and Conduct

No food, drink, or picnicking on site.
Do not disturb grave markers or artifacts.
No littering; remove all trash.
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor.
No pets, except service animals.
Commercial photography requires prior permission (Los Angeles Conservancy).

Nearby Attractions

Preservation and Community Involvement

Preservation of the cemetery is a collaborative effort between Marquez family descendants, local historians, and organizations like the La Señora Research Institute. Legal protections include designation as Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #685 and listing on the National Register of Historic Places (California Office of Historic Preservation). Community fundraising and advocacy have secured adjacent land and maintained public access.

Recent projects have included adobe wall repair, grave marker restoration, landscaping with native plants, and the use of modern archaeological technology to identify lost graves. Educational programs and partnerships with UCLA have furthered both research and public awareness.

Educational and Cultural Significance

The cemetery is one of the few remaining Californio family burial sites in Los Angeles County. It embodies the region’s layered history—from indigenous and Mexican roots to American urbanization. School field trips, guided tours, and special events offer rare opportunities for visitors to engage with local heritage.

Although interpretive signage is minimal, docents and tour organizers provide historical context, genealogical information, and stories about those interred. Virtual resources, including online essays and historical photo archives, are available through local organizations (KCET).

Archaeological and Historical Research

A 2009 archaeological survey by UCLA’s Cotsen Institute, using ground-penetrating radar and trained search dogs, identified 15 possible graves and a mass burial pit, enhancing preservation and commemorative efforts (History Los Angeles Blog). The project received the Governor’s Historic Preservation Award, highlighting the importance of combining science and cultural stewardship.

FAQs

Q: How can I visit the Pascual Marquez Family Cemetery?
A: By special arrangement during guided tours or open days. Contact the La Señora Research Institute or Pacific Palisades Historical Society for details.

Q: Are there regular visiting hours or tickets?
A: No. Access is by appointment or special event only; some tours may request a donation.

Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: Accessibility is limited due to uneven terrain. Contact organizers in advance to discuss accommodations.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Permitted during tours, with discretion. Commercial photography requires prior approval.

Q: What else can I see nearby?
A: Adamson House, Santa Monica Pier, Will Rogers State Historic Park, Temescal Gateway Park, and Getty Villa Museum.

Planning Your Visit

Book tours in advance through Pacific Palisades Historical Society or La Señora Research Institute.
Wear comfortable shoes; expect uneven ground.
Bring water; no restrooms or facilities onsite.
Respect all posted guidelines and the solemnity of the site.
Check local event calendars for special open days.

Summary and Visiting Tips

The Pascual Marquez Family Cemetery is a powerful symbol of Los Angeles’ early history, preserving the legacy of the Marquez family and the broader Californio community. Its survival is due to the steadfast efforts of family descendants, local advocates, and preservation organizations. Visitors who arrange guided tours can experience a tranquil and historically rich environment, learn about pivotal moments such as the 1909 botulism tragedy, and appreciate architectural features like the adobe wall and handcrafted crosses.

Nearby Santa Monica attractions further enrich any visit. Continued research, legal protections, and educational outreach ensure the site’s ongoing relevance while fostering community engagement with Los Angeles’ foundational narratives (History Los Angeles Blog, Pacific Palisades Historical Society, Los Angeles Conservancy).