Rancho San Antonio, Historical rancho in Alameda County, United States
Rancho San Antonio was a vast estate spanning present-day San Leandro, Oakland, Alameda, Emeryville, Piedmont, Berkeley, and Albany. The property supported more than 8,000 cattle and 2,000 horses, with a wharf that enabled trading throughout the region.
Governor Pablo Vicente de Solá granted the land to Don Luís María Peralta in 1820, creating one of the region's most significant land holdings. This grant became the foundation for Spanish-speaking communities that developed across the East Bay.
The Peralta family hacienda served as a social hub where people gathered for work and celebration. Rodeos, cattle round-ups, and horse races shaped the rhythm of life on this vast property.
The site spreads across multiple modern towns, which you can explore piece by piece to understand how the rancho once covered such a wide area. It helps to learn about the history before visiting each location.
The Peralta family won a court case at the United States Supreme Court in 1856 confirming their land title, yet lost most of the property by 1870 due to legal costs and taxes. This reversal of fortune happened in just 14 years.
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