Who was an early Californian military leader that was a prosperous Californio?

Mariano Vallejo was a prominent figure in early California history and an influential military leader during the Mexican period. He belonged to the Californio class, which consisted of Spanish-speaking inhabitants of California of Latin American descent. Vallejo was not only a military commander but also served as a politician and landowner. He played a key role in the establishment of several missions and settlements, significantly impacting the development of California's social and political landscape.

His leadership during conflicts, particularly in the Bear Flag Revolt, showcased his military involvement. Additionally, Vallejo's prominence as a prosperous landowner reflects the economic power held by many Californios during this period. This combination of military, political, and economic influence makes Vallejo a central figure in understanding the Californio experience in early California history.