You meet Commander Anza in the plaza near your small farm in Sonora, Nueva España (Mexico). He is recruiting people to go to Alta California. He knows that the Spanish King needs families there to help keep out his Russian and English enemies. Anza also knows that many of the families in your area are very poor and moving to Alta California means the possibility of a new and better life.

It is time to decide. Will you leave your farm, sell off your few belongings, and pack up a few supplies on your horse and mule? Will you say goodbye to your friends and family — many of whom you may never see again?