Description
This collection includes correspondence, brochures, newsclippings, papers, and copies of historical documents related to the
Rancho San Pedro. Subjects include the Dominguez Adobe and Claretian Seminary, families descended from the Dominguez sisters,
companies owned by these descendants, and the history of the Rancho San Pedro.
Background
Originally encompassing over 75,000 acres the Rancho San Pedro was granted to Juan Jose Dominguez by the King of Spain in
1784. Juan Jose had served as a Spanish soldier in California and received the land following his retirement. Juan Jose built
one of the first adobes in the region and lived there for varying periods until his death in 1809. The Rancho San Pedro was
then willed to Jose Cristobal Dominguez (a nephew) who in turn willed it to his sons. One of the sons, Manuel, eventually
took sole ownership of the property. Manuel built a new adobe structure where he lived with his wife (Maria Engracia) and
their children. He was also very involved in local politics and served as mayor of Los Angeles on three separate occasions
as well as becoming one of the first county supervisors and delegate to the first constitutional convention of California
in 1849. When California became a state in 1849 Manuel was responsible for proving the legality of the original land grant
thus ensuring his ownership. A United States land patent was granted to him for the Rancho lands in 1858. The area covered
by the patent ran from Redondo Beach in the west, to Compton in the east and the harbor in the south. Manuel used the land
to graze cattle and raise crops. His brand, a lemon shaped mark, became a highly recognizable symbol on the ears of his cattle.
In 1882 Manuel Dominguez died and left his estate, including the remainder of the Rancho lands, to his six daughters.
Extent
2 boxes
(1 linear foot)
Restrictions
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Archives
and Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical
materials and not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Availability
There are no access restrictions on this collection.