In 1781, the City of Los Angeles, known then as the Pueblo de la Reina de la Margen Del Rio de la Porciuncula, was founded and incorporated by Spain. Around this time, in 1784, Jose Maria Verdugo, a retired military soldier and rancher was granted 36,000 acres of land which he named "Rancho San Raphael". He built a small pueblo, using the balance for cattle raising.
Almost 100 years later, part of this Rancho would become the community of Highland Park. Alfred B. Chapman, an attorney, and his partner Andrew Glassell purchased 32,500 acres of this land in 1869 (approximately 50.7 square miles) 3,500 acres of which remained with the Verdugoes.
The property pictured is the Ziegler Estate located at 4601 North Figueroa in the Sycamore Grove area of Historic HIghland Park. It is now owned by the City of Los Angeles, and is operated as La Casita Verde Infant and Toddler Center.
