The Story of Land Grants and Ranch Families — Reading Comprehension

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This engaging U.S. history reading passage explores the story of land grants and ranch families during Westward Expansion, focusing on California's Mission Period and Rancho Era. Students will learn how land grants changed ownership from Spanish to Mexican control, how ranch families built new lives, and the impact on California's landscape and people. The passage includes a glossary, a timeline of key events, multiple-choice and writing activities, and a graphic organizer. A Spanish translation and read aloud audio support bilingual learners. This resource aligns with C3 Framework and Common Core standards, making it perfect for building foundational literacy and history skills. Key vocabulary words are highlighted to support academic language development. Students will be inspired by stories of bravery, unity, and problem-solving as they connect past and present. Ideal for classroom or independent study.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego County, CA.
Source: Library of Congress - Historic American Buildings Survey

The story of California’s land grants and ranch families began during the Spanish Mission Period. Spain controlled California in the 1700s and early 1800s. The Spanish king gave large pieces of land, called land grants, to soldiers and important people. These lands were used to build missions and raise cattle, sheep, and horses.

In 1821, Mexico won its independence from Spain. Now, Mexico controlled California. The new leaders wanted more people to live on the land. They ended the missions and gave even more rancho lands to families. These families became known as rancheros. Each rancho was like a small town. Rancheros built adobe houses and hired workers called vaqueros, who were skilled at herding cattle.

Life on a rancho was busy but exciting. Families worked together. Vaqueros rode horses and took care of thousands of cattle. Cattle were very important because people used their hides for leather and their fat for soap and candles. A famous saying from the time was, “The cow is the gold mine of California.”

Sometimes, settlers came from far away to start a new life. They learned new skills and built new homes. The rancheros welcomed guests with big parties called fiestas. Everyone danced, played music, and shared food. These traditions are still part of California today.

In 1848, the United States won California in the Mexican-American War. The U.S. government said rancheros could keep their land, but many lost it because of new laws and taxes. Still, the story of the land grants and the rancho families lives on. Their bravery, unity, and hard work helped shape California.

Interesting Fact: The word “rodeo” comes from the Spanish word for “roundup,” showing how the rancho era still influences California today.

Who first gave land grants in California?

Spanish rulersMexican leadersAmerican settlersNative people

What year did Mexico gain independence?

1848182117761850

Who were vaqueros?

Cattle herdersSchool teachersShop ownersGovernment leaders

Why did Mexico give out more rancho lands?

To build more missionsTo attract more settlersTo find goldTo grow wheat

How did ranchos affect California's culture?

They started fiestas and rodeosThey stopped all farmingThey ended family lifeThey built large cities

What happened after the U.S. won California?