People

Portraits of some of the key characters in Episodes 3 and 4 are provided below, in order of appearance.

 

Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, Alta California comandante general in Sonoma, deposed by the Bear Flag Revolt, June 14, 1846.  California State Library.

 

John Sutter, developer of Sutter’s Fort, the first stop for many American settlers in Alta California.  California State Library.

 

James Knox Polk, President of the United States, wanted United States to control California before the end of U.S.-Mexico War.  Lookandlearn.com.

 

Thomas Larkin, American businessmen who settled in Alta California in 1831 and later served as U.S. consul to Alta California.  Wikimedia Commons.

 

José Castro, Comandante General of Alta California, based in Monterey.  Wikimedia Commons.

 

Thomas ap Catesby Jones, Commodore of the Pacific Squadron, conquered Monterey in 1842, before the U.S. and Mexico were at war.  Wikimedia Commons.

 

John C. Frémont, American military officer and Western explorer, helped conquer California.  Lookandlearn.com

 

Pío Pico, last Mexican governor of Alta California, based in Los Angeles.  California State Library.

 

Zachary Taylor, United States Army general, who led troops into Mexico.  Lookandlearn.com.

 

Winfield Scott, United States Army general, who led American troops into Mexico City.  Lookandlearn.com.

 

Stephen Kearney, United States Army general, who led American troops into New Mexico and Alta California.  Library of Congress.

 

John Sloat, Commodore of the Pacific Squadron, who raised flag over Monterey, July 7, 1846.  Naval History and Heritage Command.

 

Robert Stockton, replaced Sloat as naval commander, led conquests of Los Angeles.  Naval History and Heritage Command.

 

Andrés Pico, brother of Pío Pico, commanded Mexican troops in Southern California, signed Capitulation of Cahuenga.  Wikimedia Commons.