Life After the Missions Closed — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.1.3-5
D2.HIS.2.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This engaging history reading passage explores the major changes that took place in California after the missions closed, during the transition to the Rancho Era and Westward Expansion. Students will learn about how land ownership changed, the lives of former mission workers, and the rise of large ranchos. The passage uses clear, simple language, a chronological structure, and highlights the bravery and problem-solving of the people involved. It aligns with C3 Framework and Common Core standards, making it perfect for building literacy and historical understanding. Activities include a glossary, multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, a timeline, and graphic organizers. The passage also features a Spanish translation and read aloud audio for accessibility. Ideal for classrooms seeking to integrate history, vocabulary, and literacy skills.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Cotton camp near Exeter, California. The woman is a native of California.
Source: Library of Congress - Lange, Dorothea

The mission period in California ended in the 1830s. When the missions closed, many things changed for the people living there. Before this time, most land was controlled by the Spanish missions. The missions had large farms and many Native Californians worked the land.

After the missions closed, the Mexican government gave much of the land to private owners. These large pieces of land were called ranchos. The people who received these lands were often friends or soldiers of the government. They became known as rancheros. They built adobe houses and raised cattle for hides and meat. The hides were sometimes called "California banknotes" because they were so valuable.

Life on the ranchos was very different from life at the missions. The Native Californians who had lived and worked at the missions now had to find new ways to live. Some worked for food and shelter on the ranchos. Others tried to return to their old villages, but times had changed and it was hard to go back.

The rancho owners became very powerful. They held big parties called fiestas. At these gatherings, people danced, sang, and shared food. There were also many challenges. Ranchos could be attacked by bandits. Sometimes there was not enough rain, and the cattle died. The vaqueros, or cowboys, worked very hard to care for the animals.

In the 1840s, more and more Americans came to California. They wanted land and new opportunities. This led to many changes. Some ranchos lost their land when California became part of the United States in 1848. The old way of life began to fade as new settlers arrived.

One rancho owner said, "The land was once full of cattle and joy, but now new people come with new rules." Life after the missions closed was full of change, challenge, and hope for a new future.

Interesting Fact: Some old adobe rancho houses still stand today and are museums where you can learn about this time in California history.

What happened to the missions in the 1830s?

They were closedThey grew biggerThey became schoolsThey moved east

Who got the rancho lands?

Private ownersAll Native CaliforniansOnly priestsFarm animals

What was a 'California banknote'?

Cattle hidesGold coinsAdobe bricksCorn fields

Why did some Native Californians work on ranchos?

For food and shelterTo get richTo become priestsTo travel far

How did ranchos change after 1848?

Lost land to new settlersGrew much biggerBecame small townsTurned into missions

What was a challenge for ranchos?