History of California 1542-1800

By Hubert Howe Bancroft

This book is the first volume of a multi-volume epic history of California by an eminent historian, whose name adorns the history library at UC Berkeley.  It is a tedious read and should not be undertaken lightly.  A general knowledge of early California is recommended.  A seasoned Homestead Museum docent with a good background in California history will find the book both fascinating and helpful as a research tool.

The book starts with the exploration of California by Juan Cabrillo fifty years after Columbus discovered the new world and concludes with the establishment of the missions.  The time span of 258 years is almost overwhelming.  California was only a small part of New Spain, which contained what is now Mexico and the American West, and was of only minimal concern to Spain, mainly as a station for the Manila galleon to repair and take on supplies on its annual trek from the Manila to Acapulco.  As other European countries started exploring the Pacific Ocean, Spain decided that it must extend its system of presidios, missions and pueblos north to Alta California.  Geography and hostile native Americans made this a difficult proposition.

We learn a great deal about California as the author traces the explorations of Portola and De Anza as they established the presidios, missions and pueblos that are familiar to us today.  As the thirteen colonies on the East Coast were carving out a new nation, Californios, apparently oblivious to this revolution, were content with their squabbles with Mexico City and recalcitrant native Americans.

Pedro Fages was governor of California from 1782 to 1790, during which time his wife accused him of “sinful intent” with an Indian servant-girl.  Two centuries later, in keeping with tradition, the governor of California was accused of consummating his sinful intent with his housekeeper.

The reader of this volume should not be deterred by the excruciating detail provided by the author, but rather focus on broader themes, such as the role of the Catholic Church in secular affairs, the physical isolation of California from both Mexico City and the rest of the world and the social castes comprised of Spaniards, Indians, blacks and every permutation thereof.