The Papal Bull Inter Caetera Started the European Colonization of the New World

In 1493, Pope Alexander VI issued the papal bull Inter Caetera, which started the European colonization of the New World. 

"Among other works well pleasing to the Divine Majesty and cherished of our heart, this assuredly ranks highest, that in our times especially the Catholic faith and the Christian religion be exalted and be everywhere increased and spread, that the health of souls be cared for and that barbarous nations be overthrown and brought to the faith itself...We...assign to you and your heirs and successors, Kings of Castile and Leon...all islands and mainlands found and to be found, discovered and to be discovered towards the west and south, by drawing and establishing a line from...the north...to...the south...the said line to be distant one hundred leagues towards the west and south from any of the islands commonly known as the Azores and Cape Verde…"

From: Church Militant

The Cahoon Ranch

The Cahoon family built the original ranch house at Hastings Natural History Reservation in the 1890s, which is still there. They were some of the original homesteaders in the area and played a key role in Carmel Valley’s history.

The Cahoon Ranch dates back to the 1850’s when it was founded by the Finch family. At one time it included 1,500 acres. Two brothers, Charles and Burritt Cahoon, migrated from Ohio to California sometime after the Civil War. Each married a daughter of James Finch. Together the brothers owned what became known as the Cahoon Ranch.

Cahoon Summit is named in honor of the family’s legacy. The summit marks the highest point on the road from Carmel to Greenfield.

From: The Pinecone
Picture from: Realtor

All of the Indians Had to be Exterminated

California presents the clearest case of genocide in the history of the American frontier. There was no attempt to conceal what was done to the Indians in California. “A massacre, a lynching or a whole killing campaign—these things were hidden in plain sight.”

It was a widely held belief in 19th-century California that all of the Indians had to be exterminated. Reported the Daily Alta California, “Whites are becoming impressed with the belief that it will be absolutely necessary to exterminate the savages before they can labor much longer in the mines with security.”

From: Newsweek

The Cross of Caravaca

As the terrified priest began to celebrate the Mass, he realized that the cross was missing and he faltered and stopped. Suddenly a brilliant light flooded the chamber and two Angels appeared bearing a two armed cross which they placed on the altar. The grateful priest continued with the celebration of Mass, and at the moment of consecration in place of the host, the king saw a beautiful baby which gazed at him with such tenderness and compassion that he fell to his knees and declared his intention to convert to Christianity.

The Cross of Caravaca

On May 3, 1232 the Moorish King Zeyt Abu-Zeyt ordered that the prisoners languishing in the dungeons be brought before him so he could decide their fate. Among them was a missionary priest named Don Gines Perez Chirios de Cuenca whose profession and religious beliefs piqued the curiosity of the king. The Muslim king was particularly fascinated by the Eucharist and demanded that the priest perform this sacrament for him upon pain of death.

The Cross of Caravaca

The Cross of Caravaca

The region of Murcia in southeastern Spain takes its name from the Latin word “Morus” meaning mulberry. The region was a thriving area of silk production for centuries. By the 13^th century its territory was under the rule of the last Muslim Empire to rule in Southern Spain – the North African based Almohades. 

King Ferdinand III reclaimed the territory from the Moors in the name of Christianity in the 15^th century.

Mission San Carlos Borromeo Del Rio Carmelo

"The open grave was blessed and incensed, then the body of the Father-President of all the California missions was lowered into the sanctuary floor. The lamenting cries mixed with the prayers and chanting of the rite, as all in attendance knew that a Saint had passed from their midst."

From: Saint Junipero Serra's Camino

Carmel River at Schulte Bridge

From: Monterey Peninsula Water Management District