Treaty of Cahuenga ends the California campaign

Background. Andrés Pico, a Californio rancher and military leader, fought against American forces during the conflict. In 1846, his government sold mission lands to fund the war effort. By January 1847, Pico served as acting governor of Alta California while his brother Pío Pico was in Mexico raising funds. Pico negotiated the treaty to secure post-war protections for Californios, ending the fighting within the region.

Signing Context. John C. Frémont, a U.S. Army major, led the California Battalion south toward Los Angeles. His forces reached Santa Barbara in December 1846 and arrived at San Fernando in January 1847. Frémont accepted Pico's surrender at the Campo de Cahuenga on January 13, 1847. This agreement terminated the war in upper California, resulting in a ceasefire between the opposing sides.

Aftermath. Following the treaty, Commodore Stockton appointed Frémont as military governor of California on January 16, 1847. The treaty established a local ceasefire, but formal territorial cession occurred later under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. Pico subsequently participated in California's political life, including the First Constitutional Convention in 1849, advocating for Californio interests.