Víctor Castro

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Don Víctor Ramón Castro (1820–1860s) was a landowner of Rancho San Pablo, Alta California, México which later became part of Contra Costa County, California, USA.^[1]

Víctor Castro was the son of Francisco Castro, a former soldier at the San Francisco Presidio and one-time alcalde of the Pueblo of San José. In 1823, Governor Luís Antonio Argüello approved a grant of land to Francisco Castro which became the Rancho San Pablo. The land had previously been grazing land for cattle belonging to the Misión Dolores, but was secularized by the new Mexican republic.

Víctor Castro was elected as a juez de campo (field judge) in 1840^[1] which gave him authority over roundups and branding of cattle in the area. He was a renowned horseman and helped battle indigenous raiders who attacked other Mexican ranchos.^[1] He also warred with American immigrants who squatted on his land after the California Gold Rush.^[1] Castro was a local leader in times of both peace and conflict. He remained active as a community leader after the annexation of California and was elected a Contra Costa County supervisor in 1852.^[1]

The promontory and point, Point Isabel and dog park Point Isabel Regional Shoreline is named after his daughter Isabel.^[2] Castro Street, Castro Creek, the Castro Rocks, Point Castro, and Castro Cove and Castro Ranch Road in Richmond are named after his family name.