Squatters' riot

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Squatters' Riot (August 8–15, 1850)

In August 1850, in and around Sacramento, California (then an unorganized territory), a clash broke out between squatters who had settled on land tied to John Sutter and the government trying to regulate land claims. The Gold Rush of 1848 brought thousands to the Sacramento Valley, and many could not afford land, so they squatted on property claimed by Sutter. Speculators had set very high prices, which angered new arrivals and contributed to the unrest.

The squatters, led by Dr. Charles L. Robinson and Joseph Maloney, organized to defend their right to the land. They opposed Mayor Hardin Bigelow and Sheriff Joseph McKinney, who were backing the landowners and the legal process against squatters. The movement grew after a local judge ruled against a squatter, and a writ of restitution led to arrests of some supporters.

On August 14, about 40–50 squatters marched through downtown Sacramento to resist government actions. Bigelow, fearing an uprising, confronted them with militia. A clash ensued at Fourth and J streets. Bigelow was wounded, and Robinson was also hurt. Several people were killed, including city assessor J. W. Woodland and squatters’ leader Joseph Maloney, along with other bystanders. In response, martial law was declared and hundreds of militiamen were sent to the city.

The fighting tapered off after a couple more days. Bigelow could not return as mayor and left Sacramento to recover, being replaced by Demas Strong. Robinson remained popular and was elected to the California State Legislature while still in prison. James McClatchy and Richard Moran were released after the riot. The federal government ultimately upheld John Sutter’s grant, and the squatters lost their legal battle, though the episode helped end the period of intense land speculation in Sacramento.