Moran State Park - History

History

Rosario
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Location: S of East Sound on Orcas Island, Orcas Island, Washington
Area: 30 acres (12 ha)
Built: 1905
Architectural style: Bungalow/craftsman, Other, Arts and Crafts
Governing body: Private
NRHP Reference#: 78002772
Added to NRHP: November 2, 1978

The original land for Moran State Park was donated to the state in 1921 by Seattle mayor and shipbuilder Robert Moran. Due to poor health, Moran moved to Orcas Island and between 1906 and 1909 built his estate, naming it Rosario. Today, the former Moran estate is Rosario Resort and Spa . It is the largest resort in the San Juan Islands and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Rosario mansion features a museum honoring Robert Moran, complete with original furnishings. The mansion's music room is home to a 1913 34-rank Aeolian pipe organ and 1900 Steinway grand piano, both of which are still played for visitors today by the musician, Christopher Peacock. Five days a week there is a free program that includes a concert by Mr. Peacock, who plays the aforementioned instruments, and recounts the history of Moran and Rosario. During the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps built many of the trails, roads, bridges, and buildings that are seen in the park today. Wood and stone material found on the island were used to construct the estate's houses and buildings.

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