- Type: Architecture
NileGuide Expert tip:
Open Friday to Sunday, from Noon to 4pm. Admission to the Lummis Home is free.
Description:
El Alisal is a small, rugged, two-story "castle," built between 1889 and 1910 from large rocks and telephone poles purchased from the Santa Fe Railroad. The architect and creator was Charles F. Lummis, a Harvard graduate, archaeologist, and writer, who walked from Ohio to California and coined the slogan "See America First." A fan of Native American culture, Lummis is credited with popularizing the concept of the "Southwest," referring to New Mexico and Arizona. He often lived the lifestyle of the Indians, and he founded the Southwest Museum (234 Museum Dr.; tel. 323/667-2000), a repository of Indian artifacts. Lummis held fabulous parties for the theatrical, political, and artistic elite; his guest list often included Will Rogers and Theodore Roosevelt. The outstanding feature of his house is the fireplace, which was carved by Mount Rushmore creator Gutzon Borglum. The lawn has been turned into an experimental garden of water-conserving plants.
- © Frommer's 2013
-
Ask a local about El Alisal
Locals have answered 55 questions about Los Angeles.
Ask Los Angeles Locals about El Alisal
Awards:
Frommer's
- Recommended 2009
- Recommended 2010
- Details
-
Contact:
- visit website
- tel: 323/222-0546
Address:
- 200 E. Ave. 43
- Highland Park
- Highland Park, CA 90031
Hours:
- Fri-Sun noon-4pm
Strenuousness:
- Easy
- User Rating
