On January 13, 1847 an informal agreement was signed by the American Lieutenant-Colonel John C. Frémont of the California Battalion and Mexican Governor Andrés Pico. The Treaty of Cahuenga (also called the “Capitulation of Cahuenga”) ended hostilities between both nations in Alta California. This treaty foretold the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo signed a year later and ending the Mexican American War.

Today’s festivities celebrated those events of 163 years ago. Reenactors in period garb milled through crowds of attendees while dancers performed Spanish and folkloric dances. There were descendents of Californios listening to the strains of Mexican tunes. Politicians exhorted the the greatness of those and today’s times. In all a very good day.

This event took place at the adobe rancho, Campo de Cahuenga which is located in Studio City and across the street from an entrance to Universal Studios theme park. Today the “rancho” is truely a small gem which is literally surrounded by modern architecture, busy thoroughfares and transit centers. Its charm is the ability to transport one into the past and provide a certain quiet solitude.

Take a look at the photographs from that day. Either click on the above photo or here to take you to this site’s gallery for the events at Campo de Cahuenga.