Ranchos de Alta California

Californio landholding families

The Argüello family

Patriarch: José Darío Argüello (1753 Querétaro – 1828)

The Argüellos combined the highest offices with major grants: José Darío and his son Luis Antonio both governed California, and the family held Rancho de las Pulgas on the peninsula and extensive San Diego-area ranchos through Santiago. Marriage tied them to the Ortega family (María Soledad Ortega de Argüello).

Origin

José Darío Argüello enlisted in the dragoons in Mexico, came to California in 1781, helped lead the founding settlers of Los Angeles, and served as commandant and twice as interim governor (of Alta and Baja California). He received Rancho de las Pulgas in 1795.

Members

NameRelationRanchos
Luis Antonio Argüelloson of José DaríoRancho de las Pulgas (family grant); first native-born (Mexican) governor of Alta California, 1822–25
Santiago Argüelloson of José DaríoRancho Tía Juana; Rancho Trabuco; Ex-Mission San Diego lands; commandant/alcalde at San Diego

Genealogical confidence: high

Sources

All families · The full register