Battle of Dominguez Ranch

(Click on the above photograph to go to all pictures)

The Battle of the Old Woman’s Gun Reenactment has become recent history as well as now belonging to the ages of old California’s legacy! The event on October 10th, this last Saturday of the Reenactment of the “Battle of Dominguez Ranch” aka “Battle of the Old Woman’s Gun” has been successfully launched! It has taken its proper place in California and LA Culture, hopefully for a long time!

The grounds of the Dominguez Ranch site were so lush and green with large grassy areas most suitable for the event, that we felt taken back to an earlier century to begin with; among the shade of so many native and fruit bearing trees. The participants in the reenactment were so varied and entertaining, I might add: The Naval Historic Education Foundation (Jolly Boat sailors) was impressive and professional and lent an air of authenticity with their expertise portraying the invading “Yanqui” Sailor armed land force from 1846. Flanking them was the Mexican War U.S. Marine contingency involving esteemed individuals like Jon Reed and Frank Karg and others.

We also had a fine group of Californios assembled this last Saturday October 10th at Dominguez Ranch! This included Bob Stevens, Lou Lopez and Alfonzo and many others; although sadly missing some of our other good friends, whom we hope will join us next year. The Washington Artillery’s contribution to the portrayal of part of the Californio force and the manning of the 6 pounder was more than impressive and quite a generous demonstration. Many thanks to Paul deNublio’s crew as well as to the “Jolly Boats’ own contribution of naval artillery pieces and their cannon demonstration at 1:30. Irene’s Yesteryear Dancers provided such an enjoyable and appropriate background with the Fandango accompanied with “Los Californios’” historic early California instrumentation and singing took us back to the time of Californio hospitality: The likes of which we would have seen inside the courtyard of the Dominguez Adobe at the earlier time of the Dominguez family residence. The tours of the fully restored Hacienda were well received and provided us all with experiences of an old California we do not often experience.

The historical importance of the Battle of the Old Woman’s Gun was recognized as being the most significant and important battle in California history second only to the Battles of San Gabriel and La Mesa, and it was recognized as such in the 1800s. This is including the first half of the 20th century! How we became side tracked by more recent revisions can be explained by looking at reasons why it was important to emphasize General S.W. Kearny’s alleged failure at San Pasqual by the Fremont camp. (This is in spite of the fact that Kearny accomplished his main mission; which was to link up with Stockton’s force in San Diego.) This occurred two months after the Dominguez battle, however.

The reasons for the battle’s preeminence: The Battle of the Old Woman’s Gun was an attempt by U.S. forces to seize control of the capital of California at the time (Los Angeles) and it involved at least 3 or more times the number of combatants than the isolated San Pasqual skirmish had on the field at any time!

It is now becoming apparent that the Battle of the Old Woman’s Gun Battle Reenactment will be performed annually close to the historic date of October 8 in ensuing years. I predict with Los Angeles’s population, cultural density and media prowess, that it will become the predominant California Battle reenactment in the Golden State! Remember that this is the city of the Hollywood tradition and the Zorro legend! I contend that it is not a matter to approve of the entertainment culture of “tinsel town” or not. It has served a purpose and has placed early California into the minds of her inhabitants with an indelible mark; forming a fertile ground for interpretive history which may not have been as feasible before.

Many, many thanks to the hosts: The Friends of Rancho San Pedro and the Dominguez Ranch Adobe Museum staff and volunteers, Kathy Rabago, Lou Lopez, Irene Ujda and especially to the creative efforts of Museum Director Alison Bruesehoff.

Thank you all,
Steve Clugston
Coordinator: Battle of the Old Woman's Gun Reenactment