Charles Maclay facts for kids
Charles Maclay (born November 9, 1822 – died July 19, 1890) was an important figure in California's history. He served as a State Senator and is best known for buying a huge piece of land in 1874. This land, called San Fernando Rancho, was 56,000 acres big. Maclay used this land to help start the city of San Fernando, California in the San Fernando Valley.
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Who Was Charles Maclay?
Charles Maclay came from Ireland and Scotland. He had several family members who were also well-known. His brother, Robert Samuel Maclay, was a missionary in China. His nephews, Robert Maclay Widney and Joseph Widney, helped create the University of Southern California. Charles Maclay was also a Methodist minister.
Maclay's Political Career
Charles Maclay was against slavery. He became a politician in California. From 1861 to 1863, he was a member of the California State Assembly for Santa Clara County. Later, from 1867 to 1872, he became a State Senator. When a Senate seat opened up in 1867, a newspaper called The San Jose Mercury supported Maclay. They used a popular song, "Wha'll be King but Charlie?", to help him win.
Developing the San Fernando Valley
In 1874, Charles Maclay bought a very large area of land. This land was known as San Fernando Rancho. It covered about 56,000 acres. After Maclay bought the land, the Tataviam people, who had lived there, were moved from their homes. In 1882, two cousins, George K. Porter and Benjamin F. Porter, each received a large part of this land. Benjamin F. Porter's land later became Porter Ranch.
Founding San Fernando City
In 1885, Maclay started a school called the Maclay School of Theology. It was a Methodist seminary, which is a school for religious studies. He built this school in the new town he founded, San Fernando, California. After Maclay passed away, the school moved and became part of the campus of the University of Southern California. In 1957, it changed its name to the Claremont School of Theology.
Charles Maclay's Lasting Impact
Charles Maclay is remembered for several things:
- He bought the 56,000-acre San Fernando Rancho. This was a major event in the history of the San Fernando Valley.
- He founded the city of San Fernando, California.
- The Claremont School of Theology, a well-known religious school, started as the Maclay School of Theology.
- A school in Pacoima, California, was named Charles Maclay Junior High School in his honor in 1960. Later, in the late 1990s, it was renamed Charles Maclay Middle School. Their school motto is Home of the Scotsman, and their colors are green, white, and grey.
- Maclay Street is a main road that goes through the City of San Fernando.
Images for kids
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The Maclay School of Theology, in San Fernando, California around 1890.
