1870 Antonio Peralta House: Native American Land Loss

What's it about?

Between 1775 and 1848, the Spanish arrived in the Bay Area, a land already peopled by Native Americans. The Spanish set out to create a colony, incorporating Native Americans into their cultural and political structure. Native Americans died in great numbers, forced to work in missions, where they were exposed to Old World diseases.

During this period, Luís Peralta received a massive land grant in the East Bay as inland Native groups continued to be decimated and missionized. Antonio Peralta was able to prosper on his father's land grant, taking part in the booming hide and tallow trade. Native Americans, released from the missions by Mexican reforms, were put to work on the Peralta's rancho.
 

Tour of the Ear
Voices of the Mission & Rancho (audio index)
Audio Scripts

Tour of the Eye

Room Tour

Maps: Native American Lands; Missions, Presidios & Pueblos; Ranchos(click here to download)

You Can Dig It (Archaeology)(click here to download)

California History: Anza Expidition to the Gold Rush

Anza Expedition to the Gold Rush: Early Mission(click here to download)

Anza Expedition to the Gold Rush: Late Mission(click here to download)

Anza Expedition to the Gold Rush: Early Rancho(click here to download)

Anza Expedition to the Gold Rush: Late Rancho(click here to download)