Californios
A Hispanic people native to the U.S. state of California
Real World Example
Californios were Hispanic people living in California when it was still part of Mexico before becoming a U.S. state. They were important because they developed ranchos, large cattle ranches, which contributed to California's economy with their trade in hides and tallow. Their actions mattered because they helped shape California's culture and economy during the period of westward expansion. Today, Californios' influence is still seen in California’s rich cultural heritage, including food, architecture, and place names. For example, the tradition of rodeos, which originated on the ranchos, continues to be a popular event, showing how their legacy lives on in modern cultural activities.
Practice Version
