Palos Verdes Peninsula

Contents

Preface
Introduction
The Quiet People of the Chaparral
From Distant Shores
Explorers Become Settlers
Two Illustrious Families
A Time of Testing
Days of the Dons
End of an Era
A Great Seaport
An Awakening in Paradise
Appendix
Bibliography
Index

Preface

This is the story of one of California's oldest ranchos. It is also the story of a unique land formation. In a sense, the two stories inextricably interwoven, for the shape of the land determined its development and molded the lives of the people who dwelt upon it.

The plot begins, millions of years ago, with the evolution of the majestic land mass which is now called the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Moving forward through the ages, the cast of characters includes gentle Indian folk, swashbuckling Spanish soldiers, pirates and pioneers, dashing dons and fervent friars, and finally enterprising Yankees and modern entrepreneurs. The setting is the dramatic history of California as a whole. The protagonist is the Rancho de los Palos Verdes.