Rancho Pismo facts for kids

Rancho Pismo was a huge piece of land in California, about 8,839 acres (or 35.77 square kilometers). It was a special gift of land, called a Mexican land grant, given in 1840. The acting governor, Manuel Jimeno Casarin, gave it to José Ortega. This large area stretched along the Pacific coast. Today, it includes towns like Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Shell Beach, and parts of Arroyo Grande.

Discovering Rancho Pismo's Past

This section explores the history of Rancho Pismo, from its first owner to how it was divided into the towns we know today.

The First Owner: José Ortega

José Ortega received this large land grant in 1840. A "land grant" was a way the Mexican government gave out land. Ortega owned Rancho Pismo for a few years. In 1846, he sold the entire ranch to a man named Isaac Sparks.

Isaac Sparks: A New Owner

Isaac Sparks (1804–1867) was born in Maine. He came to Los Angeles in 1832. By 1848, he had a big business in Santa Barbara. He trapped otters and also ran a merchant business, selling goods. In 1843, Isaac Sparks also received another land grant called Rancho Huasna.

California Becomes Part of the United States

After the Mexican–American War, California became part of the United States in 1848. This change was agreed upon in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This treaty said that the land grants given by Mexico would still be honored by the United States.

To make sure these land grants were official, a special claim had to be filed. Isaac Sparks filed a claim for Rancho Pismo in 1852. His ownership was officially confirmed, or "patented," in 1866. A "patent" is like a special document that proves someone legally owns a piece of land.

Dividing Rancho Pismo

In 1850, Isaac Sparks decided to sell Rancho Pismo. He split the large ranch into two main parts.

The Southern Half: Grover Beach and Arroyo Grande

Sparks sold the southern part of the rancho to Francis Ziba Branch. This area is now where Grover Beach and parts of Arroyo Grande are located.

The Northern Half: Shell Beach and Pismo Beach

The northern part of the rancho was sold to two men: John Price and David P. Mallagh. This area now includes Shell Beach and Pismo Beach.

John Price's Story

John Price (1810–1902) was from England. He came to California in 1830. He worked on ranches in the Monterey area before working for Isaac Sparks on Rancho Huasna. It seems Sparks gave Price part of Rancho Pismo instead of paying him wages. John Price lived and worked on his part of Rancho Pismo until he passed away in 1902.

David P. Mallagh's Story

David P. Mallagh was an Irish sea captain. He arrived in California in 1849. Soon after, he married Juana de Jesús Carrillo. In 1860, he built a small dock, or "wharf," on the land next to his, which was Rancho San Miguelito. This spot is still known today as Mallagh’s Landing.