History of California 1825 to 1840

By Hubert Howe Bancroft

This book is the third volume of a multi-volume epic history of California by this eminent historian. An experienced Homestead Museum docent with some background in California history will enjoy an informative description of California in the years just prior to the arrival of William Workman.

The main players in this historical pageant are the Mexican government, the Californios, the Catholic Church, the Native Americans and the newly arrived foreign settlers. This volume describes the interaction among these players that formed the California that greeted Workman who arrived in 1841.

The Mexican government tried to establish its rightful hegemony over this northern province; however, geography remained its greatest obstacle. Travel was by sea, although sailing north along the coast of both Baja and Alta California was then, and remains today, a treacherous endeavor. Ships often detoured to Hawaii and then proceeded north. Another obstacle was the Catholic Church, which, through its mission system, controlled much of the land and the Native Americans. The Mexican government tried to accelerate the rate of secularization, i.e. the conversion of land from religious to secular control.

Missionaries of the Catholic Church initially partnered with the Spanish explorers and helped settle Alta California by establishing the twenty-one missions. The Church developed wealth and power as it managed the missions and became the largest landowner. The Church also navigated treacherous political seas as the newly formed country of Mexico was finding its sea legs.

The Native Americans initially welcomed the newly arrived Spanish explorers. They worked with the missions with the home of learning skills and receiving land grants. When this was not forthcoming, many rebelled and escaped into the interior of California.

Over the years, Californios developed their own society given the great distance from the central government in Mexico City, preferring to be governed by one of their own. They also developed their own inter-state, economic and political, conflicts between the north and the south.

Foreigners, mainly men, began to arrive in California as ships, including whaling ships, sought to trade with the Californios.  They chafed under restrictions that required trade through Monterey and payment of tariffs. Eventually foreigners were accepted in California and established themselves as prominent citizens.