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The Rise and Fall of Captain Folsom
During his short life, William Alexander Leidesdorff accumulated great wealth. Yet, what happened to his wealth after he died is a story…
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Life in Rancho Era Los Angeles: Hardships and Joys
José Jesús López grew up in the Pueblo of Los Angeles in the 1850s, in the neighborhood of *El Paredón Blanco* (today's…
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Native Vaqueros in Alta California
Vaqueros were the most important workers in the mission and rancho eras. And some of the first vaqueros were Native American. Learn…
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Land Grants in Alta California
The story of land ownership in modern California begins with the practice of Spanish land grants. Beginning in the 18th century, Spain…