Who were the primary workers on ranchos in California?

The primary workers on ranchos in California were predominantly Mexican laborers. During the era of the ranchos, particularly in the 19th century, the land was often granted to individuals of Mexican descent and they relied heavily on local labor. These manual laborers undertook various tasks essential to ranching, including herding livestock, tilling the land, and maintaining the operations of the ranchos.

While Spanish settlers and Native Americans contributed to the ranching economy, the labor force primarily consisted of people from Mexico, especially following the Mexican-American War when California transitioned to American rule. The influence and practices of Mexican culture greatly shaped the ranching lifestyle, making this labor force integral to the development and sustainability of ranchos during that period.

Chinese immigrants played a significant role in other sectors of California's economy, particularly in agriculture and railroad construction, but their contribution to ranchos specifically was limited compared to that of Mexican laborers. This historical context highlights why Mexican laborers are recognized as the main workers on ranchos.