San Diego History : San Diego's Ranchos

San Diego History : San Diego’s Ranchos

L.A. Times Archives

May 18, 1992 12 AM PT

The year 1821 brought Mexico’s independence from Spain and, with it, the gradual ending of the mission period in California. In 1833, the Mexican Congress ordered the governor in California to secularize and seize the vast Franciscan holdings of fertile fields and livestock. They issued land grants to those thought deserving and capable of furthering the region’s economic fortunes. Some 553 grants would eventually be allotted, thus inaugurating the rancho era.

An average tract covered 17,517 acres. However, two notable exceptions were Santa Margarita y las Flores (133,441 acres-by far the largest), and the modest Canada de los Coches (28.29 acres). Requirements for a grant were Mexican citizenship and a diseno (map or drawing) depicting the rancho’s natural landmarks-such as streams, clumps of trees, hills-or, lacking these-piles of stones to determine boundaries. No payment was required. They were to occupy the land, build homes and raise sheep and cattle.

At first Yankee traders feared the chaotic transition form mission to rancho system might end the steady stream of hides and tallow they shipped to New England’s textile industry. However, as the new order settled in, production increased. The residual benefit was an increase in wealth for a greater number of Californios, and with it, expansion of trade for the United States. The ranchos flourished for 20 years, bringing prosperity and, naturally, settlers from the east. The tensions resulting from this migration would culminate in the U.S.-Mexican war of 1846.

1. Rancho Santa Margarita y las Flores

2. Monserrate Rancho

3. Pauma Rancho

4. Cuca Rancho

5. Rancho San Jose del Valle

6. Rancho Valle de San Jose

7. Guajome Rancho

8. Buena Vista Rancho

9. Agua Hedionda Rancho

10. Los Vallecitos de San Marcos Rancho

11. El Rincon del Diablo Rancho

12. Rancho Guejito y Canada de Palomia