How did Joaquin Murrieta get to California?

Answer 1

Land holdings by Spanish aristocrat's were scattered about the state. Many had large ranches that had been titled to them by various kings of Spain during colonization of the state of California in the 1700's Much of the land was broken up and settled by the soldiers who had accompanied the Franciscan Monks during the start of the Missions and Presidios up and down the coast. One good example is Lieutenant Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza who on January 1, 1776, led the first party of colonists to come overland to the Pacific Coast through the Southern California area. According to records he had around 242 men, women and children and had traveled north all the way to found San Fransisco and continue north. They brought herds of cattle, sheep and horses for their sustainment. Many would follow afterwards to settle in the various areas of the state. Many attained the land grants from Spain or governor's assigned to power. This occurred years before any settlers from the East who came to California. Men like Joaquin Murrieta were descendants from these earlier groups. According to many who remember stories passed down from those times. Joaquin Murrieta's lands were seized by early settlers for cattle grazing he challenged them and he lost. The land grab philosophy of that time from these early settlers did not recognize his title to the land and burned his home down ravaged and killed his wife plus others on his ranch while he was away. When he returned he was obsessed with vengeance and the rest was history.