California History Guide > Round 'Em Up, Brand 'Em Up

In 1834, the newly-independent Mexican government ordered all the missions to be closed. Much of the mission land was given to Californios and Mexican citizens in the form of large land grants. Many of the new landowners began cattle ranches, called ranchos.

The cattle were very important because they had so many uses. For example, they were a source of meat. Cattle fat, or tallow, was used to make candles and soap. The cattle hides were cured to make leather. The new ranchos raised cattle for the hides and tallow and traded for many items, such as spices and manufactured consumer goods like clothing, boots, and shoes.

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