The Irvine Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of the Irvine Ranch, once one of the largest private ranches in the United States. The Society is headquartered at the Irvine Historical Museum, the oldest standing structure within the original boundaries of the Ranch.
In 1868, James Irvine I commissioned a house to be built that would be suitable for him to stay when he visited the ranch to conduct business. The home was built with the intent of having a ranch manager installed. It was built for a cost of $1,300 and known as the San Joaquin Ranch house. It was the first wooden house to be erected between Anaheim and
San Diego.
The house featured a kitchen, dining room, parlor, four bedrooms, and a wrap-around porch.
