The Probert Encyclopaedia of General Information

PUEBLO

A Pueblo was a type of purely civic colony established in California by the Spanish. They were so called to distinguish them from the missiones and presidios. Pueblo lands were vested, either by proprietary right in the individual, or in companies of individuals, reserving to them certain rights as citizens and colonists. The first settlers were also allowed money and supplies to start on. The first pueblo settlement in Alta California was made in 1771. The inhabitants of pueblos were permitted by a decree of Philip II, of Spain, to elect their own magistrates, of whom the alcalde was the chief. Lands outside the pueblo grants were reserved for the king, but might be used as a common pasturage.
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