The Californios

Set before the Gold Rush, this book explores Alta California as a cattle frontier inhabited by the Californios, a vibrant group of Spanish-speaking settlers. Their feudal lifestyle, reliant on the forced labor of local Indigenous people, shaped the region's economy and culture. Visitors noted their striking appearance and lively nature, highlighting a unique society that has left lasting cultural traces in California. The narrative delves into the complexities of their way of life and its impact on the state’s history.