Prior to the Gold Rush, the following merchandise was available in Mexican California, from Boston, the Sandwich Islands (Hawaiian Islands), Mexico and overland, as well as some locally produced goods and food. The primary currency was hides, tallow and animals in trade for goods:
Hats, printed calico, sugar, panocha, hatchets, colored cloth, paper, loose pita, tobacco, handkerchiefs, thread, needles, stockings, silk, rebozos, ribbon, red pepper, salt pork, rice, panocha, saddlery, silk and cotton rebozos, cotton and woolen serapes, shoes, English, American and German goods, flannels, gloves, tin boxes, madras, cologne water, reams of cigar paper, cork, guitars, razors, padlocks, needles, daggers, patterns for gowns, nails, lace, jewelry, hinges, screws, matches, silk shoes, coffee, brandy, whiskey, ornamental shell combs, chocolate, wine, glassware & pottery, salt, onions, pears, beans, watermelon, soap, saddles, boots, figs, peaches, quinces, pomegranates, grapes, olives, potatoes, lumber, cheese, jerked beef, bullocks, candles, tallow flour, goose fat, various skins and hides, American furniture, scarfs, aprons, farming utensils, wagons, wheels, powder, chinese fireworks, rifles, plates, spoons, knives, forks, kettles, iron and hardware, axes, sickles, hammers, hatchets, screwdrivers, shovels, paint, wire, nails and lumber, tinware, thimbles, hoes, window glass (8 x 10), tea trays, carpeting, oilcloth, artificial flowers, false pearls, beads, gold and silver lace, silver hunting-watches, palm leaf prints, pit saws, files, sweet potatoes, teas, porcelains, fans, peacock feathers, games, buttons, chinese lanterns, straw mats, koa wood furniture from Hawaii, Goods were moved accross land by the use of pack trains or carreta (ox-cart).
With the Gold Rush commerce mushroomed
-- From The Old Town San Diego Retailer's Reference (and sources contained within)
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