The Californios
A History, 1769-1890
Hunt Janin author Ursula Carlson author
Format:Paperback
Publisher:McFarland & Co Inc
Published:14th Dec '17
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
Before the Gold Rush of 1848-1858, Alta (Upper) California was an isolated cattle frontier--and home to a colorful group of Spanish-speaking, non-indigenous people known as Californios. Profiting from the forced labor of large numbers of local Indians, they carved out an almost feudal way of life, raising cattle along the California coast and valleys. Visitors described them as a good-looking, vibrant, improvident people. Many traces of their culture remain in California.
Yet their prosperity rested entirely on undisputed ownership of large ranches. As they lost control of these in the wake of the Mexican War, they lost their high status and many were reduced to subsistence-level jobs or fell into abject poverty. Drawing on firsthand contemporary accounts, the authors chronicle the rise and fall of Californio men and women.
“Students and teachers at all levels will be served to learn about the history of fellow citizens who have ties to Mexico and Latin America, a populace that may account for one in four US residents by 2050. Thus, by writing about the Californios—the name of the people from Spain and Mexico who colonized California between 1769 and 1848—Janin and Carlson deserve praise for informing readers that Spanish speakers and their descendants have long lived in the US...recommended”—Choice
“Assiduously researched and enthusiastically narrated, coauthors Hunt Janin and Ursula Carlson chronicle the rise and fall of the Californio men and women. An absolute must book for western buffs.”—Argunners Magazine
ISBN: 9781476663036
Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 11mm
Weight: 272g
211 pages