The Padres oversaw the vast lands around the mission for the Spanish Crown for over 60 years, but eventually Alta California passed from Spanish to Mexican rule. In 1831, the new Mexican government passed an edict that said the Church could not have any land possessions. The vast amount of mission lands were disposed of in large grants to well-connected individuals and their families.

An entire new culture sprang up in California. Picture a people tanned by the sun, happy, carefree, and prosperous. Picture a white-walled hacienda on each of the ranchos, offering hospitality and welcoming all. The legendary life on the rancho and their wealthy families raising cattle, entertaining guests, and holding lavish celebrations.

This was the early days of California. The romantic history of early California lives on in the names of our cities, our roads, our landmarks, our architecture, and by remembering its history…