September 11 marked 130 years since the death of Pio Pico, a Black “Californio” – the term used to describe Hispanic natives of the Californias. Pico was the last sitting governor of Mexican California before the region ceded to the United States in 1848 after the Mexican-American War.
Pio de Jesus Pico was born May 5, 1801 in Alta California, a region that was a province of New Spain before becoming a Mexican territory in 1822. Pico’s mother was a “Mulata” – a mixed person of African heritage. His father was a “Mestizo” – a person of Native American and Spanish heritage. Pico’s mother was reportedly linked to the “Pobladores,” the 44 settlers of African, Mexican and Native American descent that founded what is now known as Los Angeles.
Pico rose to prominence after briefly serving as a soldier in the Mexican Army. By way of a grant and other business ventures, he was able to obtain a massive ranch totaling nearly 9,000 acres and became a successful rancher. With his wealth and business ties, Pico involved himself into politics and was elected governor of Alta California in 1845, serving just one year. Accounts state that Pico was not as savvy politically as he was in ranching. (READ MORE)
