Californie- French California
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Post #3- The Pathfinder
Part 3- The Pathfinder
"Go West, young man, and grow up with the country." -John Soule, Terre Haute Express
From 1840-1845 French control over California grew fitfully and unevenly, by chance rather then design. A small trickle of French vessels made the long trip, along with the sailors, soldiers and administrators to make the new colony actually work. Small garrisons of French troops were formed at most of the major Californian cities, often only numbering in the dozens. Their influence was small at first, concerned mainly with export duties at the ports which were overseen by a mere handful of French officials. The interior remained much as it had been, often still under control of the Mexican officials or the local Californio ranchers who still acted as unchecked rural potentates. Any systematic French policy was hampered by a procession of weak and short term governors.
While Montravel remained in Monte Rey as head of the military, his supposed superior was the Commissioner of the King who was the direct representative of the throne. Sadly for California, due to chance, distance and poor governance this position was only held by non entities for the first few years of the colony’s existence. The first died of illness shortly after arriving while another was barely in Monte Rey before political changes in Paris had him recalled for bigger and better things. The quality of men also suffered as Californie was considered a distant backwater with no real avenue for advancement. If it had not been for the constant, if stolid, leadership of Montravel the entire project might have unraveled. Still, the French presence grew, notwithstanding the lackluster leadership.
Of course, there were other arrivals then officials or military men sent directly by the crown. Private citizens also made the journey, seeking out opportunities in the distant colony. Some were formal ventures, organized by rich landowners with governmental backing. Often the concept was that the settler would provide the supplies and a small set of other French settlers, often little more than a dozen, in exchange for free land and trading privileges. A striking but representative example was Timothée Cheval, who sought his fortune in Californie and received 2800 hectares by a decree, on condition that he bring 6 to 8 European settlers, 100 horned livestock, 16 mares and one stallion. The fact Cheval was asked to bring cows to a cattle rich region shows the lack of real knowledge on the part of European officials.
Others simply arrived on their own, without any official backing at all. Some came from France itself, following news of the conquest and hoping for easy fortunes while others drifted in from much closer. French fur traders from Oregon crossed the border, hoping to sell their knowledge and skills while French merchants in Mexico traveled up to see what money could be paid in the new lands. These incoming populations were small but Alta California had such a small white population, it did not take much for French emmigration to color it profoundly.
The new arrivals concentrated in two main areas of settlement. The first was, of course, Monte Rey. The center of French authority, it naturally became the main axis of French immigration. The growing city had a high demand for skilled tradesmen and workers, and attracted everything from brick makers to bakers from France. Demand was also increased by Montravel’s occupation with refurbishing the old Spanish fortifications of the area, namely the Presidio and Old Customs House, both of which had suffered from long neglect.
The Monte Rey Presidio before French renovations and modernization
The second area of French settlement was centered around Los Angeles and the growing wine industry, where French growers could already be found before 1840. Wine had been grown in southern California for centuries, imported by the Spanish missionaries in the late 1600’s. It remained a small local affair of the missions until 1829 when larger vineyards were planted in the region around Los Angeles, even then, the largest city in Alta California. The nascent industry was greatly enhanced when French vinter Jean- Louis Vignes arrived and introduced both French methods and French vines. By 1840 and the French acquisition of California, Vignes and his apprentices were already starting to export wines throughout the region. The French takeover not only vastly expanded his market (Montravel and his garrison bought hundreds of gallons alone), it also greatly increased his competition as dozens of French vintners poured into the region hoping to duplicate his growing success. Few did, but many vineyards were started and by the middle of the decade Los Angeles had a growing French community built around a burgeoning wine making industry along with the assorted trades such as barrel making and the like.
In 1844 however, a new character arrived in California which presaged a sea change in the power politics of the region. Not from the sea or along the coast, this new force came directly overland, through the towering peaks and burning deserts to explore the as yet untapped landscape. John C. Fremont had arrived.
This was actually the American’s second mission but his first had been into Oregon and lands well north of Alta California. It had been a success but his second trip had been a far grander project. Even the trip before his arrival in Californie was a trek worthy of legend. Fremont had taken forty men out of Saint Louis and followed the Oregon trail westward. After passing the usual migrants and settlers, Fremont led his party down the Snake River to the Columbia River and down into Oregon itself. Still heading westward, they mapped Mount Hood and Mount Saint Helens before resupplying at the British Fort Vancouver. Not satisfied, Fremont set out not eastward and home, but southward into the unknown southern Rocky Mountains. While currently claimed by France, Fremont felt it would one day belong to the United States and his trip could help lay the foundations of that claim.
A young and somewhat idealized portrait of the American explorer who threatened great change in Californie
Setting out south, they trekked inland and surmounted much of the lower Cascades and upper Sierras, mapping as they went. At Lake Tahoe, where they rested for a time, they swung back west and headed through narrow mountain passes until they arrived at Sutter’s Nueva Helvetia. Fremont had hoped to gain information about the land from the American settlers living with Sutter but found little support from the proprietor himself. While Sutter had nothing but respect for Fremont, he was loyal to his new French masters, who he regarded as far superior to the Mexicans. Fremont’s visit in general fractured Sutter’s colony along pro and anti American lines as the Swiss and other Eurpoeans backed the French while the Americans naturally favored their old homeland. Fremont was planning to leave when a French official, delivering mail to Nueva Helvetia happened to arrive and, after discussions, formally invited the American to visit with the French leaders in Monte Rey. It was not the sort of invitation Fremont could pass up.
So in the spring of 1844, Fremont arrived in Monte Rey and met with Montravel and the current French Governor, a rather useless man named Charles Lavaud. Still, they impressed Fremont who had still been half expecting to find Mexicans in charge. Instead of a sleepy Mexican mission, he found a busy city complete with three French warships at anchor and a renovated fort filled with French marines. Fremont's dream of an easy conquest of California dimmed slightly, but he consoled himself with the knowledge that French control seemed to reach no further than the tide line. He knew better than most how vast and empty the lands claimed by France really were.
Of French-Canadian extraction himself, Fremont spoke fluent French and generally got along well with the French officials. He explained his roundabout trip so far and filled in some holes in his host's geography and understanding. His occasional mention of American claims however were met with stony silence. Lavaud was quite interested in the natives Fremont had encountered and Fremont soon had them entranced with lurid tales of tomahawks and scalpings. One awkward moment did arrive when Fremont was gently chided for having crossed into French territory without permission or announcement. Fremont explained this by saying his was a scientific expedition and the West was a very large place. Montravel, hardening for a moment, pointed out that not only were Fremont's men heavily armed but they had carried an artillery piece with them, which even now waited at Sutter’s settlement. Later however, in a more genial moment, Lavaud signaled Paris may be willing to sell California for the right price to ‘interested parties’.
So Fremont left Monte Rey with mixed signals. On one hand, France clearly took her claims on California seriously, and would defend them if need be. On the other hand, perhaps it was a burden she was willing to unload for a price. Fremont, impulsive as usual, assumed this was a formal offer and planned to present it in Washington upon his return. Gathering up his artillery piece, Fremont headed north and back to Oregon. His original plan had been to head south, cross along the Spanish Trail and explore the unknown Great Basin but such a path was closed to him now, with the French politely inquiring where he wished to go. No, it was best to get out of Californie as fast as possible and get home.
For their part the French watched the American explorer leave with mixed reactions. Fremont certainly impressed the French, both by his knowledge and his explorations into a wild interior. At the same time however, he portended American interest in their own colony. When Fremont, or someone like him returned, he may not be sated by a few evenings of dinner and Vignes wine.
Their thoughts were soon disrupted by news from the south however, far from Fremont and his armed band of border crossers. For in distant San Diego the first real challenge to French control had erupted, which would make 1845 a turning point in Californie’s short history.
"Go West, young man, and grow up with the country." -John Soule, Terre Haute Express
From 1840-1845 French control over California grew fitfully and unevenly, by chance rather then design. A small trickle of French vessels made the long trip, along with the sailors, soldiers and administrators to make the new colony actually work. Small garrisons of French troops were formed at most of the major Californian cities, often only numbering in the dozens. Their influence was small at first, concerned mainly with export duties at the ports which were overseen by a mere handful of French officials. The interior remained much as it had been, often still under control of the Mexican officials or the local Californio ranchers who still acted as unchecked rural potentates. Any systematic French policy was hampered by a procession of weak and short term governors.
While Montravel remained in Monte Rey as head of the military, his supposed superior was the Commissioner of the King who was the direct representative of the throne. Sadly for California, due to chance, distance and poor governance this position was only held by non entities for the first few years of the colony’s existence. The first died of illness shortly after arriving while another was barely in Monte Rey before political changes in Paris had him recalled for bigger and better things. The quality of men also suffered as Californie was considered a distant backwater with no real avenue for advancement. If it had not been for the constant, if stolid, leadership of Montravel the entire project might have unraveled. Still, the French presence grew, notwithstanding the lackluster leadership.
Of course, there were other arrivals then officials or military men sent directly by the crown. Private citizens also made the journey, seeking out opportunities in the distant colony. Some were formal ventures, organized by rich landowners with governmental backing. Often the concept was that the settler would provide the supplies and a small set of other French settlers, often little more than a dozen, in exchange for free land and trading privileges. A striking but representative example was Timothée Cheval, who sought his fortune in Californie and received 2800 hectares by a decree, on condition that he bring 6 to 8 European settlers, 100 horned livestock, 16 mares and one stallion. The fact Cheval was asked to bring cows to a cattle rich region shows the lack of real knowledge on the part of European officials.
Others simply arrived on their own, without any official backing at all. Some came from France itself, following news of the conquest and hoping for easy fortunes while others drifted in from much closer. French fur traders from Oregon crossed the border, hoping to sell their knowledge and skills while French merchants in Mexico traveled up to see what money could be paid in the new lands. These incoming populations were small but Alta California had such a small white population, it did not take much for French emmigration to color it profoundly.
The new arrivals concentrated in two main areas of settlement. The first was, of course, Monte Rey. The center of French authority, it naturally became the main axis of French immigration. The growing city had a high demand for skilled tradesmen and workers, and attracted everything from brick makers to bakers from France. Demand was also increased by Montravel’s occupation with refurbishing the old Spanish fortifications of the area, namely the Presidio and Old Customs House, both of which had suffered from long neglect.
The Monte Rey Presidio before French renovations and modernization
The second area of French settlement was centered around Los Angeles and the growing wine industry, where French growers could already be found before 1840. Wine had been grown in southern California for centuries, imported by the Spanish missionaries in the late 1600’s. It remained a small local affair of the missions until 1829 when larger vineyards were planted in the region around Los Angeles, even then, the largest city in Alta California. The nascent industry was greatly enhanced when French vinter Jean- Louis Vignes arrived and introduced both French methods and French vines. By 1840 and the French acquisition of California, Vignes and his apprentices were already starting to export wines throughout the region. The French takeover not only vastly expanded his market (Montravel and his garrison bought hundreds of gallons alone), it also greatly increased his competition as dozens of French vintners poured into the region hoping to duplicate his growing success. Few did, but many vineyards were started and by the middle of the decade Los Angeles had a growing French community built around a burgeoning wine making industry along with the assorted trades such as barrel making and the like.
In 1844 however, a new character arrived in California which presaged a sea change in the power politics of the region. Not from the sea or along the coast, this new force came directly overland, through the towering peaks and burning deserts to explore the as yet untapped landscape. John C. Fremont had arrived.
This was actually the American’s second mission but his first had been into Oregon and lands well north of Alta California. It had been a success but his second trip had been a far grander project. Even the trip before his arrival in Californie was a trek worthy of legend. Fremont had taken forty men out of Saint Louis and followed the Oregon trail westward. After passing the usual migrants and settlers, Fremont led his party down the Snake River to the Columbia River and down into Oregon itself. Still heading westward, they mapped Mount Hood and Mount Saint Helens before resupplying at the British Fort Vancouver. Not satisfied, Fremont set out not eastward and home, but southward into the unknown southern Rocky Mountains. While currently claimed by France, Fremont felt it would one day belong to the United States and his trip could help lay the foundations of that claim.
A young and somewhat idealized portrait of the American explorer who threatened great change in Californie
Setting out south, they trekked inland and surmounted much of the lower Cascades and upper Sierras, mapping as they went. At Lake Tahoe, where they rested for a time, they swung back west and headed through narrow mountain passes until they arrived at Sutter’s Nueva Helvetia. Fremont had hoped to gain information about the land from the American settlers living with Sutter but found little support from the proprietor himself. While Sutter had nothing but respect for Fremont, he was loyal to his new French masters, who he regarded as far superior to the Mexicans. Fremont’s visit in general fractured Sutter’s colony along pro and anti American lines as the Swiss and other Eurpoeans backed the French while the Americans naturally favored their old homeland. Fremont was planning to leave when a French official, delivering mail to Nueva Helvetia happened to arrive and, after discussions, formally invited the American to visit with the French leaders in Monte Rey. It was not the sort of invitation Fremont could pass up.
So in the spring of 1844, Fremont arrived in Monte Rey and met with Montravel and the current French Governor, a rather useless man named Charles Lavaud. Still, they impressed Fremont who had still been half expecting to find Mexicans in charge. Instead of a sleepy Mexican mission, he found a busy city complete with three French warships at anchor and a renovated fort filled with French marines. Fremont's dream of an easy conquest of California dimmed slightly, but he consoled himself with the knowledge that French control seemed to reach no further than the tide line. He knew better than most how vast and empty the lands claimed by France really were.
Of French-Canadian extraction himself, Fremont spoke fluent French and generally got along well with the French officials. He explained his roundabout trip so far and filled in some holes in his host's geography and understanding. His occasional mention of American claims however were met with stony silence. Lavaud was quite interested in the natives Fremont had encountered and Fremont soon had them entranced with lurid tales of tomahawks and scalpings. One awkward moment did arrive when Fremont was gently chided for having crossed into French territory without permission or announcement. Fremont explained this by saying his was a scientific expedition and the West was a very large place. Montravel, hardening for a moment, pointed out that not only were Fremont's men heavily armed but they had carried an artillery piece with them, which even now waited at Sutter’s settlement. Later however, in a more genial moment, Lavaud signaled Paris may be willing to sell California for the right price to ‘interested parties’.
So Fremont left Monte Rey with mixed signals. On one hand, France clearly took her claims on California seriously, and would defend them if need be. On the other hand, perhaps it was a burden she was willing to unload for a price. Fremont, impulsive as usual, assumed this was a formal offer and planned to present it in Washington upon his return. Gathering up his artillery piece, Fremont headed north and back to Oregon. His original plan had been to head south, cross along the Spanish Trail and explore the unknown Great Basin but such a path was closed to him now, with the French politely inquiring where he wished to go. No, it was best to get out of Californie as fast as possible and get home.
For their part the French watched the American explorer leave with mixed reactions. Fremont certainly impressed the French, both by his knowledge and his explorations into a wild interior. At the same time however, he portended American interest in their own colony. When Fremont, or someone like him returned, he may not be sated by a few evenings of dinner and Vignes wine.
Their thoughts were soon disrupted by news from the south however, far from Fremont and his armed band of border crossers. For in distant San Diego the first real challenge to French control had erupted, which would make 1845 a turning point in Californie’s short history.
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Ohhhh? Are we seeing something like a revolt against French control?
Also, hopefully this American incursion will serve as a bucket of ice water for France. There are other powers there salivating for their sweet Pacific coast and would do what they feel is necessary, hopefully France will do the same if they hope to be masters of the American Pacific Coast and starting sending more settlers not only of French but catholic nature in general.
Is Napoleon III in power yet? He was interested in colonization and was ambitious, I could definitely see him taking the settling and control of Californie much more seriously.
Also, hopefully this American incursion will serve as a bucket of ice water for France. There are other powers there salivating for their sweet Pacific coast and would do what they feel is necessary, hopefully France will do the same if they hope to be masters of the American Pacific Coast and starting sending more settlers not only of French but catholic nature in general.
Is Napoleon III in power yet? He was interested in colonization and was ambitious, I could definitely see him taking the settling and control of Californie much more seriously.
Great update , can we get a map ? it would help visualise the situation better
Another thing to note on Napoleon III is that the 1848 revolutions are just around the corner. It would interesting to see what kind of people would settle in Californie after that
. Also, when the gold and silver are discovered the French are going to defend it ferociously. If before it was seen as a colony on the butt end of the world, now it would seem as a prime settler colony.
Lots of Italians, Irish, German Catholics, Belgians and Frenchman themselves are going to flee into that distant land controlled by France and is too far for their governments to do anything.Another thing to note on Napoleon III is that the 1848 revolutions are just around the corner. It would interesting to see what kind of people would settle in Californie after that
Also, when the gold and silver are discovered the French are going to defend it ferociously. If before it was seen as a colony on the butt end of the world, now it would seem as a prime settler colony.
Hopefully they'll realize they're sitting in a golden mine(literally) and properly administer it.
Alvarado is up to something. Bit of a shame that the rancheros didn't cut a deal with the French, but that's what happens when you plot preemptively. The French don't even have any idea of the sentiment.
Unrelated to that, I just found an interesting article on Wikipedia that might describe the economic and cultural state of the Europeans in California at this time, pre-Gold Rush.
California hide trade - Wikipedia
I hope the Californios don't decline as a culture as much as they did in our history, but numerically speaking they're going to be flooded by settlers and economically their stranglehold on land will cease. The French will probably do a somewhat less laissez-faire job of stopping violence against Californio miners, because they will view the non-French settlers as equally foreign as those of Mexican descent, and not turn a blind eye towards lawlessness. But as with American rule of California, I'm not sure if the French colonial authorities will uphold their land rights as much, given that it's in their interest to break up the large grants,
Not to swamp this thread with too much independent research and speculation, but now I'm thinking there might be a case that besides the established Californio ranchero elite, resistance to French rule might also stem from the Anglo and other settler population-
And also:
Interesting overlap between the POD and some OTL events that were brewing. I'm not sure if Graham is still imprisoned in Mexico by the time of the French takeover, but he seems to not have engaged in any further activities post-1840 so his role is probably unimportant by the time of this timeline. I think it's just illustrative that there is an extant settler population that has a mind of its own. That said, I'm wondering that in this timeline the French colonial presence is already in greater number than Mexican rule historically. With more soldiers and guns under their command and the firm administration of Montravel, the French might seem more authoritative than the lackadaisical rule of the Mexican governors.
Wondering how American settlers like the Bartleson-Bidwell Party are going to react to the French ownership. As he did historically with them, Sutter will likely be a good intermediary between them and the new local authorities.
Historically, Vallejo will likely be the premier Californio in Californie's future, given that he was a keen opportunist who played ball with the Americans after their takeover.
Not to swamp this thread with too much independent research and speculation, but now I'm thinking there might be a case that besides the established Californio ranchero elite, resistance to French rule might also stem from the Anglo and other settler population-
And also:
Interesting overlap between the POD and some OTL events that were brewing. I'm not sure if Graham is still imprisoned in Mexico by the time of the French takeover, but he seems to not have engaged in any further activities post-1840 so his role is probably unimportant by the time of this timeline. I think it's just illustrative that there is an extant settler population that has a mind of its own. That said, I'm wondering that in this timeline the French colonial presence is already in greater number than Mexican rule historically. With more soldiers and guns under their command and the firm administration of Montravel, the French might seem more authoritative than the lackadaisical rule of the Mexican governors.
Wondering how American settlers like the Bartleson-Bidwell Party are going to react to the French ownership. As he did historically with them, Sutter will likely be a good intermediary between them and the new local authorities.
Historically, Vallejo will likely be the premier Californio in Californie's future, given that he was a keen opportunist who played ball with the Americans after their takeover.
Sutter was a Francophile. Sigh, it’s too bad he was a real nasty piece of work. Fond of treating Natives like animals and raping children. The world is his oyster in this turn of events.
I’ve been to his house, which he built in Yankee style immediately after the war. I suppose it will be a French Colonial mansion instead to make French guests feel at home.
I could see a fair number of Poles arriving as well. Historically the Poles had strong relations and cultural ties with the French, and France was home to large Polish expat community. Following the wake of a failed 1848 (and subsequent risings in Russian Poland) I could easily see some of the rebels forming a settlement company to help relocate some willing Poles to Californie. And there's be every reason for the French to agree to this, and even promote it: the settlers would certainly be loyal and are already Catholic.
Now Polish immigration to the US didn't begin until the 1850s in OTL (with a SIlesian settlement in Texas, Kashubes in Wisconsin and, well, everyone in Chicago), so this is all a few years in the future. But it's still an interesting thought to keep in mind.
It occurs to me that this could drastically change french polynesia. ttl, France is in a great position to grab hawaii, for example (if they keep alta californie,) for example.
Wonder if it’ll actually end? Though I doubt something like having Alta California will change the July Monarchy’s fate.
A lot of this discussion is getting ahead of ourselves, but I wonder if in Hawaii the locals might be able to play off this yet another group of colonizers against the Brits and Americans.
But also speaking of having a base on the Pacific coast- does this mean France might be the ones to open up Japan?
But also speaking of having a base on the Pacific coast- does this mean France might be the ones to open up Japan?