José Castro
| José Castro | |
|---|---|
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 20th Governor of Alta California
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In office 1835–1836 |
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| Appointed by | José Figueroa |
| Preceded by | José Figueroa |
| Succeeded by | Nicolas Gutierrez |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1808 Monterey, California |
| Died | February 1860 |
| Profession | Soldier |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Mexico |
| Service/branch |
 Mexican Army
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| Rank |
 Lieutenant Colonel
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José Antonio Castro (1808 – February 1860) was acting governor of Alta California in 1835-1836, and Commandante General of the Mexican army in Alta California at the time of the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt and the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848.
José Castro was a Californio, born in Monterey, California. As a young man, Castro was a vocal and active supporter of Californian self-rule and semi-independence from Mexico. His first public office was as secretary to the Monterey ayuntamiento (town council).
In 1830, Castro was arrested for his opposition to the Mexican governor of Alta California. By 1835 he was Vocal Primero (First Member) of the legislature and acting governor. Along with Juan Bautista Alvarado, he was a vocal proponent of California-born governors and sought a semi-independent status for Alta California. He was a chief participant in the overthrow of Governor Nicolás Gutiérrez in 1836, becoming self-proclaimed Commandante General and Governor of Alta California. Opposition from southern areas convinced Castro to relinquish his claim, but he was then officially appointed Governor in 1837.
Under Governor Alvarado, Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo became Commandante General, and Castro became Lieutenant-Colonel of militia in 1837-38. Once again he was appointed First Member of the Diputacion as well as Prefect of the Monterey District. In 1839, Castro was granted (by Alvarado) Rancho San Justo, one of three ranchos attached to Mission San Juan Bautista, after the secularization of mission property by the Mexican government in 1833-35.
In 1840, Castro arrested about 100 foreigners living in California and transported them to San Blas, an action that caused an international diplomatic incident known as the "Graham Affair". In 1844-45, he became a leader of the revolt against Governor Manuel Micheltorena, once again becoming Commandante General of California, checking John C. Frémont's movements, and leading Alta California forces against the Americans.
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