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History of the Rancho San Jose de Buenos Aires Chapter, NSDAR

The Rancho San Jose de Buenos Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR), was organized on February 4, 1935, with Mrs. Burton Wands as its organizing regent.

This chapter took its name from the old Spanish Rancho on which Westwood Hills, the University of California at Los Angeles, and Bel Aire now stand. It translates as "Saint Joseph Ranch of Good Air."

This land was granted to Maximo Alanis in 1843 by Governor Micheltorena. Don Maximo was one of the soldiers who escorted the first Spanish settlers from Mexico to San Gabriel in 1781 and was instrumental in founding the Pueblo of Los Angeles. He lived to be 100 years old.

Our chapter placed a plaque, which was dedicated May 24, 1954, in Holmby Park in West Los Angeles to mark the site of Rancho San Jose de Buenos Aires. The land title was confirmed in 1843.  The marker may be found at eye level on the rear right column of the curved colonnade located between the children's play area and the picnic area. The plaque reads:

 MARKING THE SITE OF RANCHO SAN JOSE DE BUENOS AIRES. ONE SQUARE LEAGUE WAS  GRANTED TO MAXIMO ALANIS AND TITLE CONFIRMED IN 1843.

THIS MARKER WAS PLACED BY THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, RANCHO SAN JOSE DE BUENOS AIRES CHAPTER. 1954

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

California State Society Daughters of the American Revolution