Bio
Don Manuel Domínguez e Ybáñez (1803–1882) was a prominent Californio ranchero, politician, and signer of the California Constitution. Born in Alta California to a distinguished family, Domínguez inherited the vast Rancho San Pedro in 1825, which became one of the largest landholdings in Southern California. He played a pivotal role in solidifying the ranch’s ownership through both Mexican and American land grants.
Domínguez was instrumental in the founding of the cities of Carson and Compton and the development of San Pedro, which later became a part of Los Angeles. He held several public offices, including two terms as Alcalde (mayor) of Los Angeles and served as a delegate to the Mexican Provincial Legislature. During the transition to American rule, Domínguez was one of the Californio delegates to the 1849 constitutional convention that drafted California’s first state constitution.
In addition to his political and business endeavors, Domínguez was known for his efforts to settle land disputes and his deep involvement in the economic and civic life of the Los Angeles region. He married Maria Engracia de Cota in 1827, and the couple had ten children, though several did not survive to adulthood.
Domínguez’s legacy endures today through the communities of Rancho Dominguez and California State University, Dominguez Hills, which are named in honor of his family. He died in 1882 after a long and influential life, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Southern California.
