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Mexican Ranch On April 20, 1822 the Mexican flag was raised over the Spanish Presidio in San Diego. The people, who called themselves Californios, swore their allegiance to Mexico. In the 1820’s, what is now called Old Town San Diego came to exist. People moved out of the Presidio because they felt safer. Without fear of being attacked, they began to start building permanent homes out of adobe brick. Many had orchards and gardens. The Plaza became the center of attention. It was the center of town and the site of the fiestas. After 1822, when the trade to America and to other countries already began, an arrival of a trade ship was a time to celebrate at the Plaza. Homes, a church, and a government building surrounded the Plaza. Mission Land is Divided The Spanish Mission land was divided up after the missions closed. Huge land grants were awarded to Californios to raise cattle. 92 square miles, one of the largest land grants of San Diego Mission land, was granted to Santiago Arguello. The people who received the land grants owned ranchos. Adobe ranch houses were built. The cattle on the ranchos began as Mission cattle and grew into large herds. Hides of the cattle were of value to people around the world. These cowhides became “California Banknotes.” The cowhides were used for shoes, jackets, and much more. Californios also used them for trading gunpowder, guns, and hardware. Not everyone lived on ranchos. In 1834, San Diego became officially declared a pueblo or town. Mexicans Became Uncomfortable with Americans At first Californios welcomed Americans and their trade. Later Americans came to live permanently. This caused tension between California Mexicans and Americans. The Mexican War broke out and lasted for over one year. Very little, if any, of the fighting occurred in the Old Town San Diego area. The Mexican Ranch era ended with the war between Mexico and the Americans. It took place April 25, 1846 to September 14, 1847. The war ended and the American flag was raised in the Old Town San Diego Plaza. California was officially a United States territory. This was the beginning of another change for Mission Hills, San Diego, and California. Today Old Town San Diego has several landmarks of the Mexican Ranch era. Some of these landmarks are the Casa de Bandini, the Plaza, the Casa de Machado Y Stewart, and the Estudillo house.
By Zach and Darian |
Cowhides used as California Banknotes (money) in the Mexican Ranch Era.
Inside the Estudillo House |
| © 2005 Grant Elementary School |
