Cattle Branding

Come see why cattle brands were so important to Mission Espiritu Santo and to people across the world, learn some different branding techniques, and make your own brand!

Mission Espiritu Santo once had an estimated 40,000 head of free-range cattle. Maintaining these wonderful creatures often came with challenges, such as transportation, taming, and identification.  In 1785, Spain passed the Mesteño Law, which meant that the Mission had 4 months to brand as much livestock as possible. Any cattle left unbranded became property of the crown.

During this program, we will discuss the importance of branding, what brands meant, the different ways livestock were marked through history, and we'll take a look at some brands used during the mission era. Then we'll fire up a branding iron and brand a piece of wood.

All ages are welcome to come out, create, and paint your own brand. 

*An employee of the park will be handling and maintaining the brands and flames for safety.

Bring water, sun protection, and creativity!

Meet on the mission porch; program takes place on the mission grounds.