California Governor. Served as the last Governor of California under Mexican Rule. He was a wealthy land owner and Hotel builder ("Pico House"). The fourth of ten children and the second son, he was born at Mission San Gabriel Arcangel. His heritage was a combination of African, Native American, Hispanic and European. Pico joined the army briefly in 1828. He received his first land grant near San Diego the following year. Pico married Maria Ignacia Alvarado in 1834. They had no biological offspring, but adopted five children. Pico became governor in 1845 after a bloodless revolt. With American troops occupying Los Angeles, Pico escaped to Mexico in 1846 returning two years later. By the 1850's he owned over a half million acres of California land. Gambling and bad business decisions forced him to sell his property and he died in poverty. Originally buried at Old Calvary Cemetery in downtown Los Angeles, his remains were reinterred in the private mausoleum of a friend when the city dismantled Old Calvary in the 1920s.
California Governor. Served as the last Governor of California under Mexican Rule. He was a wealthy land owner and Hotel builder ("Pico House"). The fourth of ten children and the second son, he was born at Mission San Gabriel Arcangel. His heritage was a combination of African, Native American, Hispanic and European. Pico joined the army briefly in 1828. He received his first land grant near San Diego the following year. Pico married Maria Ignacia Alvarado in 1834. They had no biological offspring, but adopted five children. Pico became governor in 1845 after a bloodless revolt. With American troops occupying Los Angeles, Pico escaped to Mexico in 1846 returning two years later. By the 1850's he owned over a half million acres of California land. Gambling and bad business decisions forced him to sell his property and he died in poverty. Originally buried at Old Calvary Cemetery in downtown Los Angeles, his remains were reinterred in the private mausoleum of a friend when the city dismantled Old Calvary in the 1920s.
Bio by: MKC
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