José Calistro facts for kids

José Calistro was an important leader for the Coast Miwok people. He was the last chief of his community who lived at a place called Rancho Nicasio in California. This area was once a large Native American land that stretched from what is now Nicasio to Tomales Bay.

José Calistro: A Leader for His People

José Calistro was born around 1838 in Marin County, California. He became the last chief of the Coast Miwok community living at Rancho Nicasio. This was a very important role. As chief, he helped guide his people and make decisions for their community.

Who Were the Coast Miwok?

The Coast Miwok are a group of Native American people. They have lived in what is now Marin County, California, for thousands of years. They have a rich history and culture. Their traditional lands included the area around Rancho Nicasio.

Protecting Their Land

Rancho Nicasio was a large area that was home to the Coast Miwok people. Over time, much of this land was taken away. By 1870, only a small part of the original rancho remained. This was a challenging time for the Coast Miwok.

José Calistro worked hard to protect his community's home. In 1870, he successfully secured the legal right to 30 acres (about 120,000 square meters) of land at Halleck Creek. This land was all that was left of their original home. He made sure this land belonged to his community of about 500 people. This was a big step in helping his people keep a place to live.

José Calistro passed away in 1875. He is remembered as a strong leader. He fought to protect his people's land and their way of life.