Ventura County, California, has a rich and fascinating history that began before its formation in 1873.  Over 10,000 years ago, the Chumash people, known fishermen and maritime traders inhabited the land that became Ventura County.  Spanish explorers arrived in the 1500s with active occupation beginning in the 1700s.  Mission San Buenaventura was founded in 1782, encouraging population growth in the surrounding area of San Buenaventura.  Acres of land were given out to Mexican Californians, Californios, as payment for their service and to encourage land settlement.  In the 1830s and 40s, these ranchos raised cattle and increased agriculture interest in what is now Ventura County.