How did the secularization of the mission lands lead to the creation of the ranchos?
During the 1830s the intention of the Mexican government was to convert the mission properties into Indian pueblos. This policy which had envisioned free settlements of hispanicized natives, ultimately was subverted by the local Mexican frontier settlers many who regarded the Indians as incapable of self management or property ownership. Initially the secularization of the mission lands and the emancipation of the neophytes proceeded more rapidly under Governor Figueroa and subsequent Mexican governors finished the legal process. It ultimately affected about 18,000 Christianized natives in California. Eventually enough ex-neophyte families accepted their changed status and established the Indian pueblo of San Dieguito, near the mission. Others near Mission San Luis Rey moved to an already existing native pueblo at Las Flores. And another Indian pueblo grew up in San Pascual, near present day Escondido. Each of these new pueblos were instructed to select their own alcaldes or mayors. Th
