Page 5 - eternalvalley1958

THE FIRST GOLD DISCOVERY IN THE WEST

Two generations of Californians by birth had developed, and there was a clash of interest
between the rapidly growing population and the large holdings of the missions. It was
resolved in 1833 when the Mexican Congress passed the bill for secularization of the
missions.
THE MISSION ASISTENCIA
RANCHO SAN FRANCISCO AND
leagues - 48,829 acres. There could be no absentee ownership, transference to any
THE DEL VALLE FAMILY
ecclesiastical body and veterans were given preference rights.
In October 1834, Lieutenant Antonio del Valle was commissioned to take over Mission
The term Mission, which once meant only the church town with gardens and orchards
San Fernando. As administrator of the Mission, del Valle traveled the entire length of
near it, had come to include extensive tracts over which cattle, horses and sheep, owned
Rancho San Francisco traveling between San Fernando and Santa Barbara. These long
by the establishment, were allowed to roam at will. So, in effect, the Mexican govern-
horseback rides first acquainted him with the possibilities of Rio Santa Clara and Rancho
ment had set up methods for disposal of lands that did not exist if the mission claims
San Francisco.
were allowed.

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