By Albert L. Hurtado
This book is a very detailed analysis of Indian demographics in early California. Of primary importance is the interaction between Indians and Hispanics compared to the interaction between Indians and Americans. Although Indians did not experience benevolent behavior by explorers from any European nation, Hispanics were more prone to marry Indians. Their children were known as “mestizos” and were welcomed into Hispanic society; however, they occupied a class lower than that of the “pure” Spanish people.
The author pointed out that most of the Spanish settlements in California took place near the coast. Indians of the interior had little interaction with these early settlers, except for occasional raiding parties. The Gold Rush changed everything. It brought an influx of people from all parts of the world and with them their prejudices and diseases. The prime gold producing areas of California were in the interior and directly affected those Indians who had remained free of the control of the missions and ranchos.
Initial Spanish settlements started in 1769 with the Portola Expedition. As a result, the Spanish established presidios, pueblos and missions. The missions used Indian labor for construction and agriculture work, with an aim to also convert them to Christianity. The Indians were promised land of their own as they were converted from hunters and gatherers to farmers and craftsmen. With the secularization of the missions under the new rule by the Mexican government, this promise was broken. The Indians could not compete with the influx of Mexican citizens and others who were given land grants, such as Rancho La Puente.
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