Jose Amesti emigrated from Spain to California via Mexico in the early 1800s arriving at Monterey in 1822. He married, acquired a major land holding in Santa Cruz County and made it financially successful. He became an influential figure in the Monterey government, built what is today a historically significant home there, and left his mark in both Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. All of this played out against a background of great political change and upheaval in Spain, Mexico, and California. A major element in Amesti's political and business success was his ability to navigate through governmental and political changes, as well as the litigation surrounding his land grant that threatened his and his family's financial survival. He was ambitious, energetic, entrepreneurial, and given all that he survived, a bit lucky as well. When he died, he left a memorable legacy. The story begins in Spain in 1788.