"The unification of the departments is now helpful."
During my university years, related departments like civil engineering, urban engineering, and architectural engineering operated separately. However, while I was away serving in the military, they were consolidated into one comprehensive department.
"At the time, there was a lot of resentment over the restructuring, but that's how progress works."
Late at night, when others slept soundly, I sat by lamplight, staring at a blank sheet of paper. Ideas, calculations, and vague outlines swirled in my head.
"We'll begin building the colony tomorrow," I murmured, as though to confirm it to myself.
Ordinary pioneers would build their settlements wherever it seemed convenient, often with no clear layout or long-term strategy. But as someone trained in urban planning, this approach was unacceptable.
I resolved to create a systematically planned city with foresight, practicality, and room for future growth.
"I've nearly forgotten about general architecture and urban planning after years of focusing on civil engineering, but it's time to dust off those skills."
Each settler household would receive 160 acres of farmland.
To some, this allocation might seem modest compared to the vast ranches granted to settlers in Texas. However, the fertile farmland of California's Central Valley would yield far more productivity per acre.
"Under U.S. Homestead Law, 160 acres is the standard maximum for a reason. And here in Sacramento, with its rich soil and abundant water, it's a highly valuable gift."
The Sacramento River, along with its tributaries, provided an unparalleled advantage. Its natural irrigation capabilities ensured settlers could cultivate crops successfully, even with modest parcels of land.
"The city center will serve as the administrative and commercial hub, housing government offices, churches, and businesses. Farms will extend outward from the downstream side, ensuring efficient access to water and transportation routes."
I began sketching the settlement's layout on a blank sheet of paper. With no modern equipment or computers at hand, I traced the area's contours, mapping out roads, plots, and communal spaces as best I could.
As I worked, my occupational instincts took over. Visions of dams, reservoirs, sewer systems, roads, and railways filled my mind.
'Be patient. This is the beginning. We can't achieve everything at once. One step at a time.'
I forced myself to prioritize. Designing everything in advance would be inefficient and impractical.
'...Still, a railroad within 10 years is plausible, right? Let's include a station site in the plan.'
The next morning arrived with clear skies and bustling activity.
"Let's start with the church. Begin preparing the timber supply," I instructed.
In the West, it's customary to build a church first as a symbol of unity and faith.
Given Mexico's strong Catholic influence, constructing a prominent church seemed both culturally appropriate and necessary to establish order in the fledgling settlement.
"It's been a long time since I've worked on general building design, but this is as good a time as any to revive that knowledge."
For efficiency, I chose to construct the church using the balloon framing method, a revolutionary light-frame construction technique.
This method involves using continuous vertical studs extending from the foundation to the roof, supported by horizontal beams and fastened with nails or screws.
Traditional timber framing results in sturdy and attractive structures but requires considerable labor, skill, and time—luxuries we couldn't afford at this stage.
"Speed is the priority right now. Balloon framing is faster, simpler, and requires less wood. It's the ideal method for our early-stage settlement."
This technique was developed by American pioneers for precisely these conditions: limited resources and the need for rapid construction.
While the platform framing method would later surpass it in efficiency and safety, its materials and tools weren't yet accessible to us. Balloon framing, for now, was our best option.
To ensure the settlers grasped the plan, I gathered everyone and demonstrated the process step by step.
As I looked around, I saw settlers watching attentively, surrounded by piles of freshly cut timber. Soldiers stood at a distance, observing as their crown prince prepared to demonstrate woodworking.
"What a sight this must be," I thought, amused.
Taking a piece of wood, I began marking guidelines for cutting.
"Watch closely," I said, drawing horizontal and vertical lines on the timber.
Then, with a saw in hand, I began cutting along the vertical line.
Chop, chop!
The rhythmic sound of the saw cutting through wood echoed across the site. After finishing, I carefully inspected the ends to ensure they were smooth and straight, sharpening them where necessary.
"Accuracy is crucial when processing timber. An unstable frame could compromise the entire structure. These houses are for your use, so work diligently and sincerely."
The settlers nodded as they watched, clearly intent on learning.
Next, I demonstrated the preparation of horizontal beams. Placing the wood securely, I marked and cut it along the guideline.
"This will serve as a horizontal beam. With the correct angles and measurements, the frame can be assembled securely."
Once I completed the demonstration, I stepped back to let the settlers try it themselves.
"The balloon framing method allows for fast and efficient construction," I explained, "but precision is vital. A strong foundation begins with well-processed timber."
Out of the 450 settlers, I identified 10 experienced carpenters or individuals with woodworking skills.
I gathered them separately to demonstrate the assembly of vertical and horizontal timbers using the pre-cut pieces.
"Truthfully, I've only studied this method in theory during college, but practical application should follow the same principles."
I selected timber for the vertical columns, emphasizing their importance.
"The columns bear the structure's vertical load, so they must be strong and rigid to ensure stability."
Carefully, I checked the alignment of each column. Even a slight tilt could compromise the entire structure.
Then, I prepared horizontal beams, ensuring they could withstand tension and bending forces. I joined the columns and beams using nails and screws, demonstrating the correct method.
"The way these components are connected determines the building's stability. Ensure every joint is secure."
The carpenters watched intently, then began practicing under my supervision.
"This method prioritizes speed over perfection," I said, "but it's effective for our current needs."
One of the carpenters, a mestizo named Andrés Ortega, spoke up.
"Your Highness, where did you learn this technique?"
"I came across it in an American book while searching for efficient construction methods. The technique is ideal for building quickly with limited resources."
While the carpenters refined their skills, the other settlers focused on timber collection and processing.
Major Manuel divided his soldiers into two groups: one for security and the other to assist with labor.
Among the carpenters, I appointed Andrés Ortega as their leader. A skilled craftsman in his late 30s with two decades of experience, he had a natural authority and calm demeanor that the others respected.
"Andrés," I said, "select 20 workers and teach them everything I've shown you. We'll need a larger workforce as we progress."
"Yes, Your Highness. I'll see to it immediately."
The church we were constructing was modest, meant to serve as both a place of worship and a training project for the settlers.
In time, this lightweight wooden structure would be replaced by a more permanent design, incorporating stone, glass, and other durable materials.
Over three days, I refined the church's design through countless sketches, ensuring it matched our needs while remaining feasible with the materials at hand.
"Andrés," I said, handing him the blueprint, "begin processing the timber according to these plans. Let me know if you encounter any issues."
"Understood, Your Highness."
I supervised every stage, from the foundation to the roof assembly, ensuring the work adhered to the plan.
As the settlers worked tirelessly, Major Manuel observed the progress with admiration.
"To organize the settlers and achieve such systematic work so quickly is remarkable, Your Highness. I expected more trial and error."
I smiled. "Years in civil engineering taught me the importance of proper planning and efficient labor distribution. Leading by example also helps motivate others."
"Your methods remind me of a seasoned commander," Major Manuel said.
"Perhaps leadership runs in my blood," I replied, recalling my father's military prowess.
With the settlement progressing steadily, I turned my attention to the next phase of the expedition.
"Major, while construction continues, I'll survey the surrounding area. Accurate maps are essential for our future plans."
"Your Highness, I insist on accompanying you."
"It's unnecessary. The area is relatively safe apart from wildlife. Stay here and oversee the colony's security with the 1st Company. I'll take the 2nd Company with me."
"Understood, Your Highness. Please proceed with caution."
As I prepared to leave, I looked back at the settlers, hard at work building their new lives.
This was only the beginning.