The Mexican Era of California
Mexican era of California (1821-1848) began in 1822 following the Spanish Era when Alta California was belatedly informed of Mexico’s successful revolt and independence from Spain in 1821. During the Mexican period, governors were given power to grant lands, which included the Channel Islands, to individuals. Thus many leading Mexican families benefited, attracting American men to marry into such families. Governor Juan Bautista Alvarado granted Santa Cruz Island to Andres Castillero in 1837. Governor Manuel Micheltorena granted Santa Rosa Island to brothers José Antonio and Carlos Carrillo in 1843. Governor Pio Pico granted Santa Catalina Island to American Thomas Robbins in 1846. The Mexican Era ended in 1848 with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the beginning of the American era of California. Mexican Governors of Alta California:
- 1822-1825: Luis Antonio Arguello (born in San Francisco, he was the first native-born Californian to govern Alta California)
- 1825-1831: José María de Echeandía
- 1831-1832: Manuel Victoria
- 1832: Pío Pico
- 1832-1833: Agustín V. Zamorano (north) and José María de Echeandía (south)
- 1833-1835: José Figueroa
- 1835: José Castro (acting)
- 1836: Nicolás Gutiérrez (acting)
- 1836: Mariano Chico
- 1836: Nicolás Gutiérrez (acting)
- 1836-1837: Juan Bautista Alvarado
- 1837-1838: Carlos Antonio Carrillo
- 1838-1842: Juan Bautista Alvarado
- Santa Cruz Island granted to Andres Castillero by Alvarado on May 22, 1839.
- 1842-1845: Manuel Micheltorena
- Santa Rosa Island granted to brothers José Antonio Carrillo (childless) and Carlos Carrillo (five daughters) by Governor Micheltorena.
- 1845-1846: Pío Pico
- Santa Catalina Island granted to Thomas M. Robbins by Governor Pico on July 4, 1846.
- 1846-1847: José María Flores (in opposition to the United States in Los Angeles)
- 1847: Andrés Pico (in opposition to the United States in Los Angeles)
- 1848: Pío Pico
