While little is known about the relationship between San Clemente founders, Ole Hanson and Hamilton H. Cotton (known as “H.H. Cotton”), one thing is certain; the two friends shared a deep passion for what is now our Southern California home. While Ole often gets most of the credit, it was actually Hamilton that held the note on the land that made it possible for Ole to realize his dream. It was also Hamilton who built our most famous residence, the H.H. Cotton estate, more affectionately known as President Nixon’s "Western White House.”
