José Antonio Carrillo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José Antonio Carrillo
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| Alcalde of Los Angeles | |
| In office 1833–1834 |
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| In office 1828–1829 |
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| In office 1826–1826 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1796 Santa Barbara, California |
| Died | 1862 Los Angeles, California |
| Spouse | María Estéfana Pico |
| Profession | Politician, ranchero |
José Antonio Ezequiel Carrillo (1796–1862) was an important leader in early California. He was a politician and a ranch owner, known as a ranchero. He also helped create the first Constitution of California in 1849. Carrillo served three times as the Alcalde of Los Angeles, which was like being the mayor.
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Early Life and Family Connections
José Antonio Carrillo was born in 1796 in Santa Barbara, California. He was part of the well-known Carrillo family of California. His father, José Raimundo Carrillo, was Spanish. José Antonio's brother, Carlos Antonio Carrillo, even served as a governor of Alta California.
José Antonio Carrillo himself served as the Comandante (commander) of Pueblo de Los Angeles. This role was similar to being the mayor of Los Angeles between 1826 and 1834.
Family and Home
In 1823, José Antonio Carrillo married María Estéfana Pico. After she passed away, he married Jacinta Pico in 1842. Both women were sisters of famous Californio leaders, Pío Pico and Andrés Pico. Carrillo built a house in Los Angeles called Carrillo House. It was located near the historic plaza.
Ranch Ownership
José Antonio Carrillo was granted land for large ranches. In 1834, he received Rancho Las Posas, which is now in Ventura County, California. He also owned the Island of Santa Rosa, part of the Channel Islands.
Political Leadership in Los Angeles
Carrillo was the alcalde (mayor) of Los Angeles in 1826, 1828, and 1833. These were important leadership roles in the growing city.
Political Changes in California
In 1836, a political leader named Juan Bandini was involved in a new movement. He was against Governor Juan Bautista Alvarado. Carrillo returned from his job as a congressman in Mexico with big news. His brother, Carlos, had been chosen to replace Alvarado as governor of Alta California. The capital was also moved from Monterey to Los Angeles.
Helping Write California's Constitution
José Antonio Carrillo was chosen to be a delegate at the Monterey Constitutional Convention of 1849. This was a very important meeting where leaders created the first laws for California. Carrillo was one of the people who signed the new Constitution of California.
Role in the Mexican-American War
During the Mexican–American War, Carrillo played a key role in defending California. He joined Captain José María Flores and Andrés Pico. Together, they formed a group of local fighters to protect Alta California.
Battle of Dominguez Rancho
Carrillo showed great bravery by leading fifty Californio Lancers (soldiers on horseback). They fought against 203 U.S. Marines at the Battle of Dominguez Rancho. Carrillo's forces won this battle, causing the Americans to retreat. The Americans, led by U.S. Navy Captain William Mervine, had to pull back to San Pedro Bay. Commodore Robert F. Stockton, a U.S. Navy leader, was surprised by the strong resistance. He sailed to San Diego to get more forces.
Later Battles and Peace
Two months later, Stockton helped U.S. Army General Stephen W. Kearny's forces after the Battle of San Pasqual. With more supplies and soldiers, they moved north from San Diego. On January 8, 1847, they reached Los Angeles. They joined up with John C. Frémont's Bear Flag battalion.
The American forces, now with 660 soldiers, fought 150 Californios. José María Flores led the Californios, with Carrillo as his second-in-command. They fought in the Battle of Río San Gabriel. The next day, January 9, 1847, they fought the Battle of La Mesa.
On January 12, 1847, the last group of Californio fighters surrendered to the Americans. This marked the end of the war in California. On January 13, 1847, Carrillo helped write the Treaty of Cahuenga. This treaty officially ended the fighting in California. He was present when it was signed.
Notable Descendant
José Antonio Carrillo's grand-nephew was the famous actor Leo Carrillo. Leo Carrillo was known for his role as Pancho in the TV series The Cisco Kid (1950–56).
Images for kids
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Leo Carrillo unveils portrait of his great-uncle José Antonio Carrillo, 1955
