Ranchos of San Diego County
Christenson, Lynne Newell / Sweet, Ellen L.
The Mexican ranchos of San Diego County were a colorful and vital part of early California history. Ranchos covered the most fertile lands in San Diego and produced grain, vegetables, and fruits and grazed thousands of head of cattle, sheep, and horses. The dons and donas who owned the ranchos were wealthy in land and cattle and built large adobe ranch-house complexes. The Kumeyaay, Luiseno, and Cupeno were the backbone of the ranchos, providi...