THOMAS OLIVER LARKIN

SAILED FROM BOSTON IN 1831 ON A SEVEN-MONTH JOURNEY AROUND THE HORN TO MEXICO'S CALIFORNIA

When he boarded the ship, he had only fifty dollars in his pocket--but determined to make his fortune. And he did. He and his wife, Rachel, step "forward in time" to reminisce about life in Mexico's California, before it became part of the United States. And about Mr. Larkin's:

The Larkins

--the only American couple in Mexico's California



35-40 min. run time

  • becoming California's wealthiest merchant trader

    •   --without becoming a Mexican citizen

  • building the first beautiful two-story home in California
      --creating what architects call: Monterey Colonial Style


  • becoming the first (and only) U.S.Consul to California
      --accessing and befriending powerful Californio politicos


  • serving as the secret agent of President James K. Polk
      --the President determined to possess California


  • working behind the scenes to free California from Mexico
      --convinced that, "the pear is near ripe for falling."


  • contributions to U.S. military occupation once war began
      --supplying American forces with needed goods


  • arrest by Californios and incarceration in Los Angeles
      --sent Rachel his last will and testament


  • ...and more!
To home page To Mrs. Lincoln page To Stantons page To Ho to California page To Penelope page To Vignettes page To RD info page