Treaty of Cahuenga

The Treaty of Cahuenga. usually called the "Capitulation of Cahuenga," ended the fighting of the Mexican-American War in California in 1847. It was not a formal treaty between nations but an informal agreement between rival military forces in which the Californios (Hispanics) gave up. The treaty was drafted in English and Spanish by Jose Antonio Carrillo, approved by Lieutenant-Colonel John C. Fremont and Governor Andrés Pico on January 13, 1847 at Campo de Cahuenga in what is now North Hollywood, Los Angeles, California.

The treaty called for the Californios to give up their artillery, and provided that all prisoners from both sides be immediately freed. Those Californios who promised not to again take up arms during the war, and to obey the laws and regulations of the United States, were allowed to peaceably return to their homes. They were to be allowed the same rights and privileges as are allowed to citizens of the United States, and were not to be compelled to take an oath of allegiance until a treaty of peace was signed between the United States and Mexico, and were given the privilege of leaving the country if they so wished to do so.

Under the later Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848), Mexico formally ceded Alta California and other territories to the United States and the disputed border of Texas was fixed at the Rio Grande. Pico, like nearly all the Californios, became an American citizen with full legal and voting rights. Pico later became a state senator in the California legislature.

ome Participants

At the signing of the treaty between Col. John Charles Fremont and Gen. Andres Pico, there were various witnesses on both sides. One was Pico's cousin and prominent Californio landowner, Fernando Cota, brother of then Capt. Leonardo Cota of "The Californio-Mexican Lancers".

ignatories

*Lt. Col John C. Frémont, US Army
*General Andrés Pico, Californio Forces
*Jose Antonio Carrillo, Californio Commandante de Esquadron
*Agustin Olvera, Californio Diputado
*P. B. Reading, Major California Battalion
*William H. Russell, Ordnance Officer of California Battalion
*Louis McLane, Jr., Commanding Artillery California Battalion

Historical Re-enactment

In celebration, on or around the date of the original signing, a historical ceremomy is done at Campo de Cahuenga State Historic Park and site. From time to time, some of the descendants have appeared, along with actors to re-create this historical moment.

References

8 Mark J. Denger, "The Treaty of Campo de Cahuenga," [http://www.militarymuseum.org/Cahuenga.html online]