Description
The Sepulveda family played a prominent role in Southern California history and development. The most well-known family branch
were the recipients of a 35,000 acre land grant that later became Rancho Palos Verdes. This collection spans 1834-1952 and
includes clippings, correspondence, diaries, family and legal documents, maps, and photographs from various members and associates
of one of the family branches.
Background
The history of the Sepulveda family in the southern California neighborhood of Palos Verdes begins in 1784 with Juan Jose
Dominguez, a soldier with the Spanish military. Dominguez had traveled north from Mexico with the 1769 Spanish Portola Expedition,
ordered by King Carlos III of Spain to gain a foothold in the Spanish territory that is present-day California and to replace
the expelled Jesuits with Franciscan missionaries. During this expedition, Dominguez and the rest of the fleet provided protection
to Junipero Serra as he and other padres established missions stretching from San Diego to Monterey. Once the expedition was
completed, Dominguez and his family remained in California, as did Dominguez's lieutenant during the expedition, Pedro Fages.
Extent
2.5 Linear Feet
2 boxes
Restrictions
Copyright has not been assigned to the Autry Museum of the American West. All requests for permission to publish or quote
from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Research Services and Archives. Permission for publication is
given on behalf of the Autry Museum of the American West as the custodian of the physical items and is not intended to include
or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.
Availability
Appointments to view materials are required. To make an appointment please visit https://theautry.org/research-collections/library-and-archives
and fill out the Researcher Application Form.