Rancho Rodeo de las Aguas facts for kids
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Rancho Rodeo de las Aguas was a huge piece of land, about 4,539 acres (18.37 square kilometers), given to María Rita Quinteros Valdez de Villa in 1838. This land is now part of Beverly Hills in Los Angeles County, California.
The name "Rancho Rodeo de las Aguas" means "Ranch of the Gathering Waters." It got this name because many streams flowed into the area from the Santa Monica Mountains. These streams came from places like Cañada de las Aguas Frias (now Coldwater Canyon) and Cañada de los Encinos (now Benedict Canyon).
History of the Rancho
Early Owners
María Rita Valdez was the granddaughter of Luis Quintero. He was one of the very first settlers of Los Angeles. María was married to Vicente Fernando Villa, a Spanish soldier.
After the Mexican–American War ended in 1848, California became part of the United States. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo said that the land grants given by Mexico would still be valid. So, in 1852, a claim for Rancho Rodeo de las Aguas was filed. The land was officially given to María Rita Valdez in 1871. At that time, it was measured as 4,449 acres (18.00 square kilometers).
Changing Hands
In 1854, María Rita Valdez sold the rancho to two men: Benjamin Davis Wilson and Major Henry Hancock. Later, Hancock sold his part to William Workman.
In 1868, a man named Edward Preuss bought over 3,600 acres (14.57 square kilometers). He wanted to build a city called "Town of Santa Maria." He planned out many small lots, but there wasn't enough rain. Because of the dry weather, the land was used for raising sheep instead.
From Beans to Oil
The land then went to Henry Hammel and Andrew H. Denker. They owned a hotel in Los Angeles. They turned the rancho into a giant field of lima beans. These beans were used to feed guests at their hotel.
The bean fields were there until 1900. Then, the land was sold to Burton E. Green. He was part of the Amalgamated Oil Company. They wanted to drill for oil on the land. However, they drilled many wells but didn't find much oil. So, in 1906, they changed their company name to the Rodeo Land and Water Company.
