The James Johnston House, constructed between 1853 and 1855, is a notable historical landmark in Half Moon Bay, California. Known affectionately as the “White House of Half Moon Bay,” this structure is recognized for its unique New England–style “saltbox” design, a rarity in the predominantly Mexican community of Spanishtown. It stands as the first wood-framed house along the San Mateo County coast, built with hand-hewn redwood timbers, mortise and tenon construction, and wooden pegs. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since May 9, 1973, the Johnston House now serves as a museum and community event space.
James P. Johnston, the house’s namesake, emigrated from Scotland and grew up in Gallipolis, Ohio. Drawn to California by the Gold Rush in 1849, Johnston found success in mining and later co-owned the El Dorado Saloon in San Francisco. In 1852, he married Petra Maria de Jara, a member of an early Californio family, and purchased 1,162 acres of Rancho Miramontes to establish a dairy farm. The couple built their home using architectural influences from both Spanish and American styles, including a Roman Catholic chapel and an open gallery facing a patio, making it a cultural landmark.
The Johnston House also tells the story of early dairy farming on the California coast. Johnston and his three brothers introduced dairy farming to the area, eventually expanding their ranch to encompass half of the original Rancho Miramontes. They imported 800 dairy cattle from Ohio, significantly impacting local agriculture. Unfortunately, financial difficulties forced Johnston to sell much of his land, and he passed away in 1879. The house fell into disrepair by the early 1900s but remained a significant historical asset.
Restoration efforts began in the 1960s when C. Malcolm Watkins, a Smithsonian Institution historian, discovered the house and documented its architectural significance. His research inspired local preservationists to form the Johnston House Foundation, Inc. The city of Half Moon Bay acquired the estate in 1975, and despite a severe windstorm in 1976 that temporarily demolished the house, it was meticulously rebuilt. Today, the Johnston House is a beautifully restored museum, showcasing period furnishings and family memorabilia, preserving the rich history of Half Moon Bay for future generations.
