1834: Mexico denies return of mission lands to Chumash

In California, the Mexican government frees the Chumash, who had been enslaved by the Spanish in California for 65 years. Although Mexico privatizes lands that Spain had taken for missions and promises to return them to the Chumash, instead it gives land grants to families of Spanish descent and sells off large tracts. The Chumash, who numbered 22,000 before Spain established missions, have declined to 2,788. Now land-less, they face further losses.

Theme

Epidemics, Native Rights

Region

California