José Darío Argüello
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José Darío Argüello (1769–1828) Spanish soldier and California pioneer.
Argüello was born 1769 at Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico. He enlisted in the Mexico regiment of dragoons, serving as a private then sergeant of the presidial company of Altar, Sonora. In 1781 he was promoted to Alférez (sub-lieutenant) for the future Presidio of Santa Barbara. He marched with Fernando Rivera y Moncada, who was killed by Yuman Indians, and continued on to Mission San Gabriel until the presidio was founded in 1782. In 1787, Argüello was appointed Lieutenant and Commandant of the Presidio of San Francisco, serving until 1791 and again during 1796–1806, and Commandant of the Presidio of Monterey during 1791–1796.
During 1814–1815, after the death of Governor Arillaga, Argüello was acting acting governor of Alta California, but remained in Santa Barbara. For his services he was granted 53000-acre (215 km²) Rancho de las Pulgas (meaning "The Fleas"), which includes present southern San Mateo, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood City, Atherton, and Menlo Park.
In 1815, Argüello became governor of Baja California, serving until 1822. He died in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1828.
Argüello married Maria Ygnacia Moraga. Two of their sons were Luis Antonio Argüello, California's first native-born governor, and Santiago Argüello, who was commandant of the Presidio of San Diego and Alcalde of San Diego pueblo. Their daughter was Maria Concepción, of a famous early California love story.
Point Arguello is named for José Argüello.
