The Bahá’ís of Pleasanton trace the earliest roots of the Bahá’í Faith in our area to the remarkable life of Phoebe Elizabeth Apperson Hearst (1842–1919), a pioneering philanthropist, educator, and one of the first prominent Americans to embrace the Bahá’í Faith. Wife of George Hearst—U.S. Senator and mining magnate—Phoebe Hearst left a lasting legacy in California through her civic, educational, and spiritual contributions.
Her estate in Pleasanton, known as The Hacienda, was not only a place of elegance and influence but also became a sacred site in American Bahá’í history. In 1912, she hosted ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the son of Bahá’u’lláh (the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith), during His historic journey across North America. The Hacienda offered a moment of peace and reflection amid His rigorous travels, and the occasion marked one of the earliest direct connections between the global Bahá’í community and the East Bay.
Phoebe Hearst’s embrace of the Bahá’í teachings in 1898 and her spiritual journey to the Holy Land made her one of the earliest American pilgrims to meet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. She played a pivotal role in introducing the Faith to others in the United States through both her influence and generosity.
Beyond her spiritual impact, Phoebe Hearst was a visionary advocate for education and women’s advancement. She served as the first woman Regent of the University of California, Berkeley, and was one of its major benefactors—supporting scholarships, infrastructure, and academic programs that continue to benefit generations.
Today, the Bahá’ís of Pleasanton are honored to walk in the footsteps of such a luminous figure whose commitment to service, equality, and unity mirrors the core teachings of the Bahá’í Faith. Her legacy continues to inspire our community as we work toward building a more just, peaceful, and spiritually awakened society.