Rancho Arroyo de la Alameda facts for kids
Rancho Arroyo de la Alameda was a large piece of land, about 17,705-acre (71.65 km2), given out by the Mexican government in what is now Alameda County, California.
This land was granted in 1842 by Governor Juan B. Alvarado to José de Jesús Vallejo. The rancho stretched along Alameda Creek and included areas where Union City, Niles, and Mount Eden are today.
History of the Rancho
José de Jesús Vallejo (1798–1882) was the older brother of a famous general, Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. José inherited another rancho, Rancho Bolsa de San Cayetano, from his father in 1831.
He was put in charge of Mission San José in 1837. However, he resigned in 1840 after an investigation. Governor Alvarado then gave José de Jesús Vallejo the Rancho Arroyo de la Alameda in 1842. This land used to belong to Mission San José.
Land Changes After the War
After the Mexican–American War, California became part of the United States. This happened because of the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This treaty promised that the land grants given by Mexico would still be valid.
So, in 1852, José de Jesús Vallejo filed a claim for Rancho Arroyo de la Alameda. This was required by a law called the Land Act of 1851. His claim was approved, and he officially received the land title in 1858.
In 1863, a part of the rancho was bought by Jonas Clark. He then divided this land into smaller pieces and sold them in 1877.
Historic Sites of the Rancho
- Vallejo Flour Mill: This flour mill was built in 1856 by José de Jesús Vallejo.
