Californios, and the Dons' Villa
California had a pretty dull pre-goldrush history, and a even duller one during Spanish-America interim period. The Texas Republic at least was an actual political entity, whereas the Californian counterpart was merely a zealous protest of protestant immigrants.
However, as you look deeper into the history of pre-statehood California, it becomes more and more interesting than usually perceived.
California was visited and claimed by Spaniards as early as 1500s, but nothing happened for about 200 years after that. The only activity I could imagine would be the natives unplugged the Spanish Royal flag and used it as ass wiping tool.
The reason for the fake island of California once again came to Spanish's vision, was the Russian's expedition. The Russians went south from Alaska to Fort Ross, a place not far from San Francisco. Spanish Empire worried the influence of the Russians, and then dispatched the Franciscan Missions to do the work for the emperor.
So in short the very reason for the biggest state in the US to came into being, was Spanish vs Russian, and had nothing to do with the Puritans.
California at the time was divided into Baja (lower) California and Alta (upper) California. The former one is still in Mexico nowadays, while the latter territory became California, Nevada, Arizona in the US later.
Although the Franciscan Missions in Alta California built 21 missions (Basilicas) along the coast, from San Diego to San Francisco, the population was rather small. The population was so small that even after Mexico gained independence, the vast land of Alta California was only recognized as territory.
Regardless of administrative point of view, people from different part of California gradually developed different styles and mentalities. People in Alta California, called themselves "Californios" at the time, were generally more free-spirited than their kins in the Baja part. Even in Alta California itself, Northern California was influenced more and more by the immigrants from the newly founded United States, as the Southern part where the majority of Californios lived had a more traditional and Catholic leaning.
This division could be still observed now: NorCal is the home for progressive movement meanwhile SoCal is home to many of the conservative California House Districts.
Following Mexico's independence, Alta California struggled to become a "department" which had more autonomous rights than most of the Mexican states. However the feud between republicans and conservatives in Mexico also came to Alta California. The last governor Don Pico, ordered the confiscation of mission properties and redistributed them. Alta California entered "the Ages of The Dons". Spanish settlers got huge "Ranchos", and lived a life what they imagined the "Dons" in Spain enjoyed.
When Mexico-American war burst, the California front was easy-piesy. Protestant immigrants in the north soon founded the "Bear Flag Republic" to welcome US army and marines. The largest battle in California Theatre happened in SoCal. At that time about 1500 Male Californios and thousands of women and converted natives lived in SoCal. They had a successful siege on Los Angles. But the Dons were soon overwhelmed by reinforced US army, and the rest is history.
All these mess came into my mind just because, I didn't go out this Christmas. I've been living in Orange County for about 5 years, so I decided to go around OC to check out some local historic site, and I'm very satisfied.
Old Towne Orange County
Orange County has the biggest number of historical sites in California. I don't know if it is true, but the Old Towne is kinda cute. It locates at Orange Circle, you could easily find it on Google Map. It is not a big deal actually, very few of the building was preserved as it was, but still a very cool for a history aficionado to be.
Bowers Museum
It is a small museum. I like the Spanish Colonial Decor, and some of its exhibition are quite good.
Carriage of Don Pico, the last governor of Alta California
Scene of the Franciscan Basilicas at that time, commonly seen in Alta California.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
It is the seventh mission and one of oldest missions that still stand in the US.
Serra Chapel, THE oldest chapel in America
Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano
Modern day basilica, I happened to wonder into a Sunday Mass. All Spanish sermon.
For a small county, not too shabby for me.
However, as you look deeper into the history of pre-statehood California, it becomes more and more interesting than usually perceived.
California was visited and claimed by Spaniards as early as 1500s, but nothing happened for about 200 years after that. The only activity I could imagine would be the natives unplugged the Spanish Royal flag and used it as ass wiping tool.
The reason for the fake island of California once again came to Spanish's vision, was the Russian's expedition. The Russians went south from Alaska to Fort Ross, a place not far from San Francisco. Spanish Empire worried the influence of the Russians, and then dispatched the Franciscan Missions to do the work for the emperor.
So in short the very reason for the biggest state in the US to came into being, was Spanish vs Russian, and had nothing to do with the Puritans.
California at the time was divided into Baja (lower) California and Alta (upper) California. The former one is still in Mexico nowadays, while the latter territory became California, Nevada, Arizona in the US later.
Although the Franciscan Missions in Alta California built 21 missions (Basilicas) along the coast, from San Diego to San Francisco, the population was rather small. The population was so small that even after Mexico gained independence, the vast land of Alta California was only recognized as territory.
Regardless of administrative point of view, people from different part of California gradually developed different styles and mentalities. People in Alta California, called themselves "Californios" at the time, were generally more free-spirited than their kins in the Baja part. Even in Alta California itself, Northern California was influenced more and more by the immigrants from the newly founded United States, as the Southern part where the majority of Californios lived had a more traditional and Catholic leaning.
This division could be still observed now: NorCal is the home for progressive movement meanwhile SoCal is home to many of the conservative California House Districts.
Following Mexico's independence, Alta California struggled to become a "department" which had more autonomous rights than most of the Mexican states. However the feud between republicans and conservatives in Mexico also came to Alta California. The last governor Don Pico, ordered the confiscation of mission properties and redistributed them. Alta California entered "the Ages of The Dons". Spanish settlers got huge "Ranchos", and lived a life what they imagined the "Dons" in Spain enjoyed.
When Mexico-American war burst, the California front was easy-piesy. Protestant immigrants in the north soon founded the "Bear Flag Republic" to welcome US army and marines. The largest battle in California Theatre happened in SoCal. At that time about 1500 Male Californios and thousands of women and converted natives lived in SoCal. They had a successful siege on Los Angles. But the Dons were soon overwhelmed by reinforced US army, and the rest is history.
All these mess came into my mind just because, I didn't go out this Christmas. I've been living in Orange County for about 5 years, so I decided to go around OC to check out some local historic site, and I'm very satisfied.
Old Towne Orange County
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Orange County has the biggest number of historical sites in California. I don't know if it is true, but the Old Towne is kinda cute. It locates at Orange Circle, you could easily find it on Google Map. It is not a big deal actually, very few of the building was preserved as it was, but still a very cool for a history aficionado to be.
Bowers Museum
It is a small museum. I like the Spanish Colonial Decor, and some of its exhibition are quite good.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Wine Distiller |
 |
 |
Carriage of Don Pico, the last governor of Alta California
 |
Scene of the Franciscan Basilicas at that time, commonly seen in Alta California.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
It is the seventh mission and one of oldest missions that still stand in the US.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Serra Chapel, THE oldest chapel in America
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano
Modern day basilica, I happened to wonder into a Sunday Mass. All Spanish sermon.
 |
 |
 |
For a small county, not too shabby for me.
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