The Pfeiffer name is scattered across Big Sur, California. Be it Pfeiffer Falls, Pfeiffer Ridge, Pfeiffer Road, Pfeiffer Gulch, or Pfeiffer-Redwood Creek all these landmarks are homage to a family that settled and thrived in Big Sur since 1869.
Michael and Barbara Pfeiffer were European immigrants who settled in Sycamore Canyon, Big Sur in 1869 [visit Michael’s owner page] with their four children Charles, John, Mary Ellen, and Julia. Once settled they had four more children: Michael and Barbara had William, Frank, Flora, and Adelaide. The family homesteaded – supporting themselves by ranching and beekeeping.
Following in his parent’s footsteps, John also established a homestead in Big Sur around 1893 where he raised bees [visit John’s owner page]. In 1933, John sold his 680 acres to the state of California to create Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The cabin still stands today. Accessing the cabin is an easy hike from a parking lot, though little but the wood exterior remains.
The front of the Pfeiffer Homestead Cabin.
Rear view of the small Pfeiffer Homestead Cabin.
John’s Sister Julia married John Burns and leased pasture land from Former U. S. congressman Lathrop Brown at Saddle Rock, near McWay Falls. They lived in Slate’s Hot Springs (now the Esalen Institute) where they served tourists visiting the springs. The Browns grew close to Julia, and when they donated the ranch to the State of California in 1962, they named it after their friend: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The park is one of the most popular destinations in Big Sur, offering stunning views popular among the photographers.
An arrid hillside of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Related Patents
- Michael Pfeiffer [owner page]
- John Pfeiffer [owner page]
- Charles A Pfeiffer [owner page]
- Mary E Pfeiffer [owner page]
References
- “Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.” California State Parks. Sacramento, CA.
- “Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.” California State Parks. Sacramento, CA.
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