About: Henry D. Fitch

Henry Delano Fitch (1799 – 1849), later known by his Spanish name Don Enrique Domingo Fitch, was a Californian trader, ranchero, and politician. Born in Massachusetts, Fitch became a merchant sailor in South America in 1815, before eventually emigrating to Alta California (then a part of Mexico). In California, he became a Mexican citizen and married into the prominent Carrillo family of California, giving Fitch the opportunities to acquire rancho grants and to serve in public office as Alcalde of San Diego (mayor).