What did the Californios leave behind?
If Lewis and Clark had traveled south from Oregon after reaching the Pacific, they would have found California.
In 1769, a Spanish missionary named Junipero Serra led soldiers and priests north from Mexico to California.Serra wanted to convert the California Indians to Christianity.He established a chain of missions that stretched from San Diego to just north of San Francisco.The Indians who worked the land were part of each mission.
The missions were deadly to native Californians.Thousands of Indians died of diseases brought to California by the newcomers.
The settlers followed the missionaries.While George Washington was carrying on the war of the Revolution, the Spanish began making large grants of land.
California came under Mexican rule after Mexico gained its independence.The Mexican government closed the missions.The land was supposed to go to Indians.Most of California's mission lands were given to soldiers and settlers by Mexico.The typical Californio was granted a rancho of 50,000 acres or more.
Life on the Ranchos was a combination of hard work and socializing.adobe houses with dirt floors were where most families lived.Everything they needed at home was produced by the Californios.Most of the work was done by Indian servants.
The neighbors lived at least a day apart because the ranchos were so large.strangers were always welcome for the news they broughtDuring weddings and fiestas, Californios celebrated with singing, dancing and brilliant displays of horsemanship.