Luis Antonio Argüello

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Luis Antonio Argüello (June 21, 1784 - March 27, 1830) was the first governor of Alta California from 1822 - 1825. This was while California was under Mexican rule. He was the only governor to serve under the Mexican empire, and the first native of California to hold that office. He also served as acting governor under the provisional government which preceded the Mexican Republic.

He was born in San Francisco in 1784. His family was one of the most influential and distinguished in the early history of California. His father, Don José Darío Argüello, was acting Governor of California from 1814-1815, and Governor of Lower California from 1815 to 1822. In August, 1806, Don Luis succeeded his father as Comandante of California with the rank of lieutenant.

Luis was married to Doña María Angela Barryesa. One of his children was José Ramon Argüello. The Argüello family owned Rancho de las Pulgas, a 35,000 acre (142 km²) ranch which occupied the land of present-day San Carlos, California. While Don Luis never lived there, after his death, his widow and children moved to it.

In 1821, he conducted what is popularly known as "Argüello's Expedition to the Columbia," the most extensive exploration of the North Country ever made by the Spaniards in California.

He was hardly less popular than his illustrious father, and though, involved at times in controversies, he has left a reputation for honesty, ability, and kindness of heart.

He published his diary "The Diary of Captain Arguello: The Last Spanish Expedition in California, October 17-November 17, 1821."

In World War II the United States liberty ship SS Luis Arguello was named in his honor.

[edit] References

• Who Was Who in America, Historical Volume 1607-1896. Chicago: Marquis Who's Who, 1963.

[edit] External links

• Luis Antonio Argüello's biographic sketch at Find A Grave
• Catholic Encyclopedia: Luis Antonio Argüello

This article incorporates text from the public-domain Catholic Encyclopedia of 1913.

Preceded by Pablo Vicente de Solá

Governor of Alta California 1822–1825

Succeeded by José María de Echeandía