The first biography of a politically savvy Californio who straddled three eras

"Thanks to this expertly researched and vividly written biography by a next-generation historian making a stunning debut, Pío Pico now emerges into full historical perspective as a pivotal and representative figure in the transition of California from Mexican province to American state."-Kevin Starr, Professor of History, University of Southern California

A two-time governor of Alta California and prominent businessman after the U.S. annexation, Pío de Jesus Pico was a politically savvy Californio who thrived in both the Mexican and the American period. This is the first biography of Pico, whose life vibrantly illustrates the opportunities and risks faced by Mexican Americans in those transitional years.

Carlos Manuel Salomon breathes life into the story of Pico, who-despite his mestizo-black heritage-became one of the wealthiest men in California thanks to real estate holdings. Salomon traces Pico's complicated political rise during the Mexican era when he led a revolt against the governor that swept him into that office. In 1845, during his second governorship, Pico fought in vain to save California from the invading forces of the United States. As an important transitional figure whose name still resonates in many Southern California locales, Pico's story offers a revealing look at California history that anticipates a new perspective on the region's multicultural fabric.

Carlos Manuel Salomon is Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies and Director of the Latin American Studies Program at California State University, East Bay.