“An Illustrated History of Southern California” is a historical volume published in 1890 by The Lewis Publishing Company. It is part of a larger series of regional histories from that era, each covering a different part of the United States. These books were often subscription-based vanity publications, meaning they included detailed biographies and histories submitted (and sometimes paid for) by the individuals or families featured.
Here’s what you should know about this specific volume:
Full Title:
An Illustrated History of Southern California: Embracing the Counties of San Diego, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Orange, and the Peninsula of Lower California
Published: 1890
Publisher: The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago
Contents Summary:
- Early Exploration and Settlement:
- Spanish exploration (notably Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo and Gaspar de Portolá)
- Mission system and colonization under Spanish and Mexican rule
- Mexican and Early American Period:
- Mexican land grants and ranchos
- The transition to American governance post-1848 (Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo)
- California statehood and its impact on the region
- Development of Counties and Towns:
- Growth of cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Bernardino
- Railroads, agriculture (especially citrus and vineyards), and real estate booms
- Biographical Sketches:
- Hundreds of pages of biographies of prominent settlers, businessmen, ranchers, and civic leaders
- Often includes portraits and details about personal achievements, land holdings, and social connections
- Illustrations:
- Engravings and lithographs of important buildings, early maps, ranch homes, street scenes, and individuals
Use and Value Today:
- It serves as a primary source for historians, genealogists, and researchers
- The biographies provide insight into settler perspectives, economic development, and social hierarchies of the late 19th century
- The illustrations and engravings are valuable for understanding the visual landscape of the era
Note of Caution:
While rich in historical detail, the book reflects the biases of its time—including Eurocentric views, boosterism, and often omitting or minimizing Native American perspectives.