Patrick Hughes was an adventurer and entrepreneur traveling from Ireland to the US, across the country to California where he worked at gold mining before moving north to Oregon. On the Sixes River he developed and ran a black sand mining operation for many years. 

In 1860 at the age of 30, Hughes began a dairy and livestock business that encompassed a thousand acres. His enterprises were very successful and in 1898 Hughes built the historic home that is today a museum and tourist attraction near Cape Blanco Lighthouse. The house sits above the Sixes River with a view of the ocean and is manned by volunteers.

Hughes passed on after living in the house for only three years but his wife, Jane, lived here until 1921, and decedents remained in the house until 1971 when the State of Oregon acquired the home and made it part of the Cape Blanco State Park.

We have toured the house which is open from April to October. There is no charge but they do have a unique gift shop that helps support this museum and also a donation box if you are so inclined. The volunteers warm to their task as tour guides and are very knowledgeable about the house, area history and the Hughes family. The home is beautiful with family treasures in each room.

The tour starts in the living room.

Followed by Patrick’s office that looks out over the river and ocean.
 Someone was a musician.

One of the upstairs bedrooms.

The dining room.

But the heart of the house was in the kitchen where Jane spent much of her time preparing family meals along with the kitchen worker. This wood burning cast iron stove was the center of the kitchen and is very unique in how it operates so be sure to ask when you visit.

When you drive out to see the Cape Blanco Lighthouse be sure to allow enough time to visit the Hughes House as it’s a “don’t miss!” Open Wednesday through Monday from 10 am to 3:30 pm April to October.

The ranch.