José María Verdugo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José María Verdugo
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 1751 |
| Died | 1831 |
| Nationality |  Spanish (1751-1821) Mexican (1821-1831) |
| Occupation | explorer and soldier from the Presidio of San Diego |
José María Verdugo (born 1751 – died 1831) was an important soldier and explorer in early California. He came from New Spain (which is now Mexico) and helped explore and settle the land. He is best known for being granted a large piece of land called Rancho San Rafael by the Spanish government in 1784. This land is now part of modern-day Los Angeles County.
Contents
A Spanish Soldier's Life
José María Verdugo was born around 1751 in Loreto, a town in New Spain. His parents were Juan Diego Verdugo and María Ygnacia de la Concepción Carrillo.
In 1769, José María came to California with his brother, Mariano Verdugo. They were part of an important journey called the Rivera expedition. This expedition helped to explore and settle new areas for Spain.
In 1779, José María Verdugo married María de la Encarnación López. They had 11 children together.
Receiving His Land
In 1784, while serving as a soldier, Verdugo asked for a special land grant. His army commander, Governor Pedro Fages, approved his request. Verdugo was given permission to settle and let his cattle graze on a large area of land. This land later became known as Rancho San Rafael. It was also called La Zanja.
The land grant was huge, about 36,402 acres (147 square kilometers). It stretched from the Arroyo Seco in what is now Pasadena all the way to the Mission San Fernando.
In 1798, Verdugo retired from the army. He became a full-time rancher, focusing on his large property. The Spanish Governor Diego de Borica officially gave him the title to his land.
Later Life and Family
After a long illness, José María Verdugo passed away on April 13, 1831. He died at Mission San Gabriel Arcángel and was buried in its cemetery. He left his large property to his son, Julio Antonio Verdugo, and his daughter, María Catalina Verdugo.
Julio Verdugo
Julio Antonio Verdugo (1789 - 1876) was José María Verdugo's son. He married María de Jesus Romero. They had many children, including Teodoro, Fernando, Pedro, and Rafael.
Catalina Verdugo
Catalina Verdugo (1792–1871) was José María Verdugo's daughter. She was blind and never married. She lived at the Catalina Verdugo Adobe with her nephew Teodoro's family.
Verdugo's Lasting Legacy
Many places in California are named after José María Verdugo and his family. These names help us remember his important role in the history of the region.
- Verdugo Mountains
- Verdugo City
- Verdugo Canyon
- Verdugo Park
- Verdugo Road
- Verdugo Hills High School
- Verdugo Hills
