Early California: pre-1769–1840s: Mexican War
Click image to zoom in.Or view larger version. Californio lancer on horseback. ca. 1846–1848. Myers, artist. Sketch, color reproduction. Collection of Oakland Museum of California.
This image depicts a Californio lancer on horseback. During the Mexican War, many California-born Mexicans preferred to use a lance (long spear) as their primary weapon. The Californios would use a reta (lasso) to pull enemy soldiers from their horses, making them easy targets for their lances. These weapons were used with devastating effect at the Battle of San Pasqual.