sentences:  During Mexican ownership, it was common for land grants to be sold to those who were in favor with the government.Large portions of this virgin-forested area were given out as Rancho Carbonera, Rancho Zayante and Rancho Cañada del Rincon en el Rio San Lorenzo.These "gifted" land grants were the start of European settlement in the area that is now known as Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.