| British Columbia (Kitimat-Stikine Regional District), Moricetown — Moricetown Canyon |
| | This site, once the largest village of the Bulkley Valley Indians, later was named after the pioneer missionary, Father Morice. Salmon, staple food of the Indian, concentrated in the canyon and were caught with basketry traps, dip-nets, and harpoons. Indians still catch salmon with long gaff nooks and smoke them at this historic native fishery. — Map (db m9072) |
| British Columbia (Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District), Tyee — “K-Shian” – The Skeena |
| | The Skeena, “river of mists,” makes a major cleft through the Coast Mountains. To Coastal Tsimshian Indians and Interior tribes it was vital to trade and travel. In later years, Port Essington, near the river’s mouth, became the main port of this swift, treacherous waterway – a route serving pioneers from the 1860s to 1914 when the railway was built. — Map (db m9074) |
| Alabama (Blount County), Blountsville — Blountsville |
| |
1820-1889 seat of Blount County a county older than the State.
Named for Tennessee Governor W. G. Blount who sent Andrew Jackson to aid Alabama settlers in Creek Indian War, 1812-1814. Map (db m24366) |
| Alabama (Blount County), Oneonta — Blount County — A County Older Than the State |
| | Created Feb. 7, 1818 by Alabama Territorial Legislature from lands ceded by the Creek Indian Nation. Named for the Tennessee Governor W. G. Blount, who sent militia under Andrew Jackson to punish the Creeks for Fort Mims massacre. Jackson fought and won the Creek War. Creek gave up half of their lands in Treaty of Ft. Jackson, 1814. Some of Jackson's men were first settlers of Blount. County seat moved here in 1889. — Map (db m24353) |
| Alabama (Chambers County), LaFayette — Chambers County |
| | Chambers County, created December 18, 1832 from Creek Indian cession. Named for Dr. Henry C. Chambers of Madison County, member of Constitutional Convention 1819, legislature of 1820, elected U.S. Senator 1825 but died enroute to Washington.
County government organized 1833 by Judge James Thompson of Jefferson County. First officers were: Nathaniel Greer, Sheriff; William House, Clk. Cir. Ct.; Joseph J. Williams, Clk. Co. Ct.; Booker Lawson, John Wood, William Fannin, John A. Hurst, . . . — Map (db m18162) |
| Alabama (Chambers County), Lanett — 141-10 — Ocfuskooche Tallauhassee |
| | A flourishing, ancient town of the Muscogee Indians known as Ocfuskooche Tallahassee (Old Town) stood on this site. English traders from Charles Town visited it about 1685. A trail known as "Old Horse Path" led from this village to the Tallapoosa. Ocfuskooche
is known to have existed through Colonial and Revolutionary times but, soon after 1790, the town was abandoned and its inhabitants moved westward to settle on the Tallapoosa River. The westward surge of settlers and bitter frontier fighting forced the move. — Map (db m14887) |
| Alabama (Etowah County), Anderson — Turkey Town Monument — Chief Turkey-Turkey Town Valley Expedition-May We Never Forget |
| | The surrounding area and this well was part of Turkey’s Town, once a capitol of the proud Cherokee Nation. Chief Turkey was the principal chief during the late 1700’s.
On October 25, 1864, the Turkey Town Valley Expedition of the XV Corps Union Army led by Major General Peter J. Osterhaus was stopped by the Confederate Calvary led by Joseph Wheeler at this site. Total casualties: US 287 CS 92.
May we never forget the men and women of Turkey Town Valley who labored and fought to . . . — Map (db m19983) |
| Alabama (Jackson County), Rocky Springs — Trail of Tears |
| | In May 1838 soldiers, under the command of U.S. Army General Winfield Scott, began rounding up Cherokee Indians in this area who had refused to move to Indian Territory in Oklahoma. About 16,000 Cherokees were placed in stockades in Tennessee and Alabama until their removal. Roughly 3,000 were sent by boat down the Tennessee River and the rest were marched overland in the fall and winter of 1838-1839. This forced-removal under harsh conditions resulted in the deaths of about 4,000 . . . — Map (db m18047) |
| Alabama (Tallapoosa County), Jacksons Gap — Fort Okfuskee — — 6 miles west ——› |
| | Built in 1735 by British from Carolina in futile attempt to gain trade of the Creek Indians from the French, located at Fort Toulouse, 40 miles south. Okfuskee was the largest town in Creek Confederacy. — Map (db m22232) |
| Arizona (Mohave County), Dolan Springs — White Hills — Ghost Town of |
| | Eight miles northeast along this road are the ruins of White Hills, once a mining boom town. A six-year wonder, from 1892 to 1898 the mine produced twelve million dollars in gold and silver. The mineral discovery was one of the few credited to an Indian … A Hualpai named Jeff. White Hills had twelve saloons and two cemeteries. Water was nearly as expensive as whiskey. — Map (db m20740) |
| Arizona (Santa Cruz County), Patagonia — John Ward's Ranch |
| | Arizona Pioneer Johnny Ward established a ranch here in 1858. In 1861 Indians kidnapped his Mexican stepson Felix Ward. Army officers assumed that local eastern Chiracahua Apaches were responsible, leading to the infamous conflict between Lt. Bascom and Cochise. In fact, the Pinal Band of the Western Apaches took Felix. John Ward died in 1867. The ranch was also the site of a blacksmith and wheelwright shop, a mining headquarters, a store, finally, a produce farm before it was abandoned in 1903 — Map (db m24436) |
| Arizona (Yavapai County), Prescott — John Towhey |
| |
Stone Marker:
14 Inf. N.Y.
John Towhey
Wounded
Here
1861
Plaque Attached to Stone:
-- January 1970 --
This stone with inscription of incident was originally located on the Yavapai Indian Reservation approximately 1000 yards northwest of this site.
It was donated to the Veterans Administration Center by the Yavapai Indian Tribe for viewing by the republic. — Map (db m21966) |
| Arkansas (Benton County), Pea Ridge — Pea Ridge and the Trail of Tears |
| | "Decr 23rd 1837, Buried Rainfrogs daughter. Marched at 8 o'c A.M. halted at Reddix, 3 o'c. P.M. encamped and issued corn & fodder & beef, 16 miles today.
-B.B. Cannon, Detachment Leader
Not Far to Go
Here, members of William Ruddick's family witnessed more than 11,000 Cherokee people passing by between 1837 and 1839 on their forced removal to Oklahoma. About 356 Cherokee in the detachment led by B.B. Cannon, camped near here on December 23, 1837 - the first removal contingent to . . . — Map (db m21085) |
| California (Alameda County), Pleasanton — Alviso Adobe Community Park — 5,000 Years of History in Seven Acres |
| |
[Panel 1:]
Pleasanton’s past and the rich stories of the people that have come before can be discovered in the landscape and features of this park. Three periods of occupation trace regional settlement from prehistory to the present day.
Native American Occupation
From as early as 3240 B.C., the valley was part of a permanent settlement of Indians. In the late 1700s, Spanish missionaries established nearby Mission San Jose, claiming this land and using it for cattle . . . — Map (db m24685) |
| California (Alpine County), Bear Valley — Bedrock Mortars — Point of Historical Interest |
| | Bedrock mortars were made by Native California Women. The cup shapes were worn smooth by repeated pounding and grinding for use in processing food. Both the Washoe and Miwuk Tribes traversed and summered in this high Central Sierra Region. Although there is a man-made lake here today, we can still get a sense of what life was like by the clues these early travelers left behind. — Map (db m10998) |
| California (Alpine County), Markleeville — Beautiful Hot Springs Valley — draws people now as it has for thousands of years |
| | Summer after summer the Washoe Indian people visited the valley. Eventually their idyllic retreat was discovered.
During the winter of 1844 Captain John Fremont may have seen this place during his crossing of the Sierra. Fremont’s diary of his crossing west over the Sierra has been interpreted by some historians with his route passing through Hot Springs Valley.
Just ten years later John Hawkins, the first white settler in the valley, began his cattle ranch here. His ranch house was . . . — Map (db m11001) |
| California (Amador County), Volcano — 1001 — Chaw Sé Roundhouse |
| | In a village, the roundhouse served as the center of ceremonial and social life. Constructed in 1974, the Chaw Sé roundhouse continues this tradition. With its door facing the east, towards the rising sun, four large oaks are the focal point of this sixty foot in diameter structure. Today, ceremonial roundhouses are the most significant architectural manifestation of the continuing Miwok spiritual heritage.
California Registered Historical Landmark No. 1001, an element of the thematic . . . — Map (db m8720) |
| California (Butte County), Oroville — Cherokee |
| | Led from Indian Territory by their New England schoolmaster, a band of young Cherokee Argonauts discovered gold here 1850. Town established 1853 when first stores erected by Welsh miners. During heyday of 1875, Cherokee boasted its own theatre, race track, and brewery; 2 churches, 3 lodges, 8 hotels, 17 saloons, and a population over 1,000.
First diamonds in U.S. discovered here 1858. Hundreds found since. Largest weighing 6 carats.
Site of world's greatest hydraulic gold mine, the . . . — Map (db m234) |
| California (Butte County), Oroville — 809 — The Last Yahi Indian |
| | For thousands of years the Yahi Indians roamed the foothills between Mt. Lassen and the Sacramento Valley. Settlement of this region by the White Man brought death to the Yahi by gun, by disease, and by hunger. By the turn of the century only a few remained. Ishi, the last known survivor of these people, was discovered at this site in 1911. His death in 1916 brought an end to stone age California. — Map (db m17743) |
| California (Contra Costa County), Diablo — 905 — Mount Diablo |
| | Mount Diablo, sacred to Native Americans who lived and worshipped there for over 5,000 years became a critical reference point for Spanish explorers in the 18th century, and American trappers and early California settlers in the 19th. In 1851 Colonel Leander Ransome established the crossing of the Mount Diablo Base and meridian lines from which most of California and Nevada are surveyed.
California Registered Historical Landmark No. 905
Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks . . . — Map (db m17541) |
| California (Humboldt County), Eureka — 154 — Fort Humboldt |
| | By the early 1850's, newly arrived white settlers had moved into the Humboldt Bay area, causing conflict with the native inhabitants. To protect both Indians and settlers, Fort Humboldt was established in 1853 and operated until 1866. It became a focal point in the violent struggle between two cultures. Many Native Americans were assembled here before removal to reservations.
California Registered Historical Landmark No. 154
Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and . . . — Map (db m19936) |
| California (Humboldt County), Trinidad — 838 — Tsurai |
| | Directly below was located the ancient Yurok village of Tsurai. A prehistoric, permanent Indian community, it was first located and described by Captains Bodega and Heceta, June 9-19, 1775. The houses were of hand-split redwood planks, designed for defense and protection. The village was occupied until 1916.
California registered historical landmark No. 838
Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Heritage Trinidad and the Humboldt County . . . — Map (db m1189) |
| California (Inyo County), Bishop — 811 — Bishop Creek Battleground |
| | On April 6, 1862, a battle took place around this site between newly arrived citizens of the Owens River Valley and the Paiute and Shoshone Indians, original inhabitants of the land. The reason for this battle is lost in obscurity, but brave men on both sides died here for a cause which they held to be inviolate.
California Registered Historical Landmark No. 811
Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the California Historical Landmarks . . . — Map (db m628) |
| California (Inyo County), Bishop — 208 — San Francis Ranch |
| | In 1861, Samuel A. Bishop, his wife and party left Fort Tejon for the Owens Valley driving 650 head of stock. On August 22, Bishop reached a creek later named for him and southwest of this spot, established San Francis Ranch. There a peace treaty was signed by the settlers and the chiefs of the Paiute Indians.
Dedicated June 22, 1985
Slim Princess Chapter 395
E Clampus Vitus
California Registered Historical Landmark No. 208
— Map (db m627) |
| California (Inyo County), Independence — 349 — Camp Independence |
| | At the request of settlers, Colonel George Evans led a military expedition to this site on July 4, 1862. Hence its name “Independence”. Indian hostilities ceased and the camp closed. War again broke out in 1865 and the camp was reoccupied as Fort Independence until its abandonment in 1877. This fort made possible the early settlements in the Owens Valley.
California Registered Historical Landmark No. 349
Dedicated June 13, 1981
Slim Princess Chapter No. 395
E Clampus Vitus — Map (db m2954) |
| California (Kern County), Grapevine — 133 — Sebastian Indian Reservation |
| | The Sebastian or Tejon Indian Reservation (headquarters 10 miles east of here) was established in 1853 by Gen. Edward Fitzgerald Beale as one of several California Reservations. The number of Indians quartered here varied from 500 to 2000. General Beale acquired title to this area under Mexican Land Grant of 1843. In 1864 the U.S. Government transferred the Indians to other reservations.
Dedicated
Nov. 12, 1937
Bakersfield Parlor Number 42, N.S.G.W.
El Tajon Parlor Number 239, . . . — Map (db m20161) |
| California (Kern County), Lebec — Lieutenant Edward Fitzgerald Beale |
| | This memorial plaque placed in memory of
Lieutenant Edward Fitzgerald Beale
First Superintendent of Indian
Affairs in California appointed
by President Millard Fillmore
Sanctioned by the United States
government the Tejon Indian Reservation
was established in 1853 by Beale for
the welfare and protection of the
Indians in this part of California
Fort Tejon was established in 1854
Dedicated by The Historical Society of Southern California
June 13, 1953 — Map (db m8042) |
| California (Lake County), Upper Lake — Bloody Island |
| | Scene of a battle between U.S. soldiers under command of Captain Lyons and Indians under Chief Augustine, April 14th, 1850.
Dedicated as an historical monument by the Native Sons of the Golden West
May 20th, 1942 — Map (db m1055) |
| California (Lake County), Upper Lake — 427 — Bloody Island (Bo-no-po-ti) |
| | One-fourth mile west is the island called Bo-no-po-ti (Old Island), now Bloody Island. It was a place for native gatherings until May 15, 1850. On that date, a regiment of the 1st Dragoons of the U.S. Cavalry, commanded by Capt. Nathaniel Lyon and Lt. J.W. Davidson, massacred nearly the entire native population of the island. Most were women and children. This act was in reprisal for the killing of Andrew Kelsey and Charles Stone who had long enslaved, brutalized, and starved indigenous people . . . — Map (db m1190) |
| California (Lassen County), Susanville — Burial of Peter Lassen |
| | “In November 1859 – almost half a year after Lassen’s death, another party with Joe Kitts, Antone Storff, and John Tutt, began a new trip back to Black Rock. The men were going to bring the remains of Peter Lassen’s body back to Susanville and Honey Lake Valley. Lassen was buried outside Susanville, with Masonic honors, on November 27, 1859. He was buried under the big tree, where he had camped his first night in the valley – and where he had wanted, that his last resting . . . — Map (db m14233) |
| California (Marin County), Novato — Camilo Ynitia’s Adobe |
| | A shingled shed now protects the ruins of Camilo Ynitia’s adobe home from further weather damage. Dating from the late 1830’s this structure represents a period when the Wiwok were abandoning their traditional dwellings in favor of more sheltered adobe houses.
Encouraged by his friend, Mariano Vallejo, Ynitia sought and was granted title to 8,800 acres around Olompali village by the Mexican government in 1843. In addition to raising over 600 head of cattle, he cultivated grain fields and a . . . — Map (db m12105) |
| California (Mariposa County), El Portal — Site of Savage’s Trading Post |
| | Here in 1849, James D. Savage, established a store built of logs. He engaged in trading and mining and married several squaws for protection and influence. In spring of 1850, fearing Indian depredations, he moved to Mariposa Creek. In December, his store and others were pillaged and burned and a real war began. A volunteer battalion was formed and Savage elected Major. In pursuit of the most warlike tribe their secret hide-out, Yosemite Valley, was discovered, and the war brought to a quick . . . — Map (db m904) |
| California (Mono County), Mammoth Lakes — Casa Diablo |
| | A distinctive landmark and gathering place used by many early inhabitants of the area for bathing, food preparation, ceremonial and medicinal purposes. It was named “House of the Devil”, by early explorers, for it’s boiling hot springs, plumes of rising steam and spectacular geysers.
From 1878 to 1881 it was a stage stop along the Bishop Creek—Bodie state route, a vital relay station for supplies, mail and equipment en route to the mining camps of Mammoth City, Mill . . . — Map (db m2950) |
| California (Napa County), Yountville — Good Indian Go Big Hill — Bad Indian Go Bad Place |
| | Interred in this spot are the ashes of the Wappo village Kaymus (Caymus) Indian Tribe, who in the American Period were known as the George C. Yount Indians. This tribe cremated their dead and all their articles, usually on a pyre or in a sweat house. A portion of the carefully preserved ashes were mixed with pitch and daubed on the faces and bodies of the mourners.
Erected by the Yountville Cemetery Association
Donated by Glenn Browne
September 2, 2000 — Map (db m16578) |
| California (Nevada County), Truckee — Donner Pass — Who Passed This Way |
| | For thousands of years, people have crossed the Sierra Nevada near this place called Donner Pass.
Traveling by foot, wagon, train or automobile, the journey has always been challenging.
By Foot
Long before it’s “discovery” by Euro-Americans, this 7,000 foot pass was used as a travel corridor by Native Americans.
The Washoe Indians trekked through the area, from their Great Basin home enroute to the foothills of California, to gather acorns and to trade. They . . . — Map (db m23571) |
| California (Nevada County), Truckee — Rocking Stone |
| | A natural glacier formation, or the work of an unknown tribe as a form of altar. It’s exact origin will never be known. The perfectly balanced stone until recently would rock at the touch of a finger.
C.F. McGlashan built the original tower in 1895 and used it to display Donner Party relics and his famous butterfly collection. The site of an overnight stop for the Olympic Torch in 1960. — Map (db m23527) |
| California (Placer County), Roseville — Maidu Interpretive Center |
| | Petroglyph Area
“Petro” means rock, “Glyph” means writing. Archeologists speculate that pre-historic cultures used petroglyphs to depict aspects of ceremonial significance. These petroglyphs, which are carved in metamorphosed sandstone rock, are estimated to date back to pre-Maidu occupation from 5,000 – 10,000 years ago. In 1972, these petroglyphs and interpretive site were placed on the National Register of Historic Sites at the Smithsonian Institute. — Map (db m23427) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — California State Indian Museum |
| | This museum dedicated to
LOYALTY – COOPERATION – PROGRESS
And to the Ideals of
AMERICAN DEMOCRACY — Map (db m14078) |
| California (Sacramento County), Sacramento — Father Junipero Serra — 1713 – 1784 |
| | Dedicated to the Memory of
FATHER JUNIPERO SERRA
1713 - 1784
the first Franciscan missionary
to whom California owes an
everlasting tribute – he brought
civilization to our land and in deed
and character he deserves a foremost
place in the history of our state — Map (db m14817) |
| California (San Benito County), San Juan Bautista — 195 — Mission San Juan Bautista |
| | . . . — Map (db m15353) |
| California (San Diego County), San Diego — Father Antonio Ubach — Last of the Padres — 1835 – 1907 |
| | Antonio Dominic Ubach, passionate advocate for California Native Americans, and defender of Indian rights, ran St. Anthony’s Indian School on this site from 1856 to 1891. Father Ubach, created programs to help hundreds of Indian children adapt to an American society. He lobbied government to protect the Indians and their lands and was appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant to lead official missions of State. Father Ubach was immortalized in Helen Hunt Jackson’s 1884 novel Ramona as the . . . — Map (db m11647) |
| California (San Diego County), San Diego — 59 — San Diego Presidio Site |
| | Soldiers, sailors, Indians, and Franciscan missionaries from New Spain occupied the land at Presidio Hill on May 17, 1769 as a military outpost. Two months later, Fr. Junípero Serra established the first San Diego Mission on Presidio Hill. Officially proclaimed a Spanish Presidio on January 1, 1774, the fortress was later occupied by a succession of Mexican forces. The Presidio was abandoned in 1837 after San Diego became a pueblo. — Map (db m11134) |
| California (San Diego County), San Diego — The Campanario — Mission San Diego de Alcala |
| | The Campanario is 46 feet high and holds the Mission bells. The crown-topped bell on the lower right is named Ava Maria Purisima – Immaculate Mary. It weighs 805 pounds and was cast in 1802. A crown-topped bell was usually supplied by the Spanish King and cast in the royal foundry in Barcelona at the Kings expense or made in a country ruled by Spain. Ava Maria Purisima was in the vestibule of St. Joseph’s church and was hung in the campanario after the reconstruction of Mission San Diego . . . — Map (db m14523) |
| California (San Diego County), San Diego — The Church — Mission San Diego de Alcala |
| | The church is 150 feet long, 35 feet wide and 29 feet high. The church is long and narrow and because the width of the building was determined by the height of the trees available for beams. Windows were built high for protection and to prevent the walls from collapsing under the weight of the adobe. Specially treated rawhide was used to cover the window openings instead of glass.
Military operation of the Mission San Diego began in 1847 when the Mormon Volunteer Battalion of the U.S. . . . — Map (db m14517) |
| California (San Luis Obispo County), San Luis Obispo — 325 — Mission San Luis Obisbo de Tolosa — 1772 |
| | A Spanish mission founded by Fray Junipero Serra, O.F.M., First president of the California missions. This was the fifth in a chain of 21 missions stretching from San Diego to Sonoma. Built by the Chumash Indians living in the area. Its combination of belfry and vestibule is unique among California Missions. In 1846 John C. Fremont and his California Battalion quartered here while engaged in the war with Mexico. — Map (db m17111) |
| California (San Mateo County), San Mateo — 393 — Mission Hospice |
| | Here stood the MISSION HOSPICE built around 1800 by the Spanish Padres on El Camino Real to break the journey from Santa Clara and serve the Indians of Mission Dolores. — Map (db m18417) |
| California (Santa Barbara County), Solvang — Mission Santa Ines |
| | Has been designated a
NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK
This religious complex possesses national significance in commemorating the history of the United States of America.
Mission Santa Ines, founded in 1804, is one of the finest examples of a Mission complex containing buildings, structures, archaeological sites, ruins, and artwork important to understanding the Hispanic and Native American heritage of California. The fulling mill, built in 1821 by Joseph Chapman, is one of the earliest . . . — Map (db m11673) |
| California (Santa Clara County), Gilroy — Chitactac-Adams Heritage County Park |
| | [This is a two-sided marker. Side-one being in English and Side-two being in Spanish:]
[Side One:]
CHITACTAC
For over 3,000 years, this area around the Uvas Creek drainage supported large populations of ancestral Ohlone People. This locality is believed to be the ethnohistoric village of Chitactac. The first European contact with this major village may have occurred in November 1774 during the Rivera-Palou Expedition.
ADAMS SCHOOL HOUSE
In 1859, John Hicks Adams, "an . . . — Map (db m18508) |
| California (Santa Clara County), Santa Clara — 250 — Old Sites of Mission Santa Clara de Assis — and Old Spanish Bridge |
| | Second Site 1799–1784
Mission Santa Clara de Asis
Original Site
January 12, 1777
Founded by the Franciscan Fathers
967 yards north, 334 yards
south of Bayshore Highway
Bridge No. 37–64 — Map (db m3401) |
| California (Santa Cruz County), Santa Cruz — 342 — Site of Santa Cruz Mission |
| | Misión La Exaltación de la Santa Cruz, the 12th Franciscan mission, was consecrated by Father Fermín Lasuen in August 1791. In 1793 the adobe church was built where the Holy Cross Catholic Church is now located. The mission was damaged by several earthquakes and finally collapsed in 1857. Plaza Park is located at the center of the mission complex which contained 32 buildings at the time of its secularization in 1834; the last building remains on School Street. — Map (db m2344) |
| California (Shasta County), Fall River Mills — Captain Dick and Richard Pugh |
| | In Commemoration of
Captain Dick and Richard Pugh
The 1850's saw tension and turmoil between the early settlers and the native peoples of the Fall River Valley.
Richard Pugh, a native of Wales, was chosen by Lt. George Crook to be his guide when he and his company were sent to Fall River Valley in 1857. In October 1857 Lt. Crook was transferred to the Klamath Area in Northern California. He asked his guide, Dick Pugh, to remain in the Fall River Valley and help to complete the . . . — Map (db m10287) |
| California (Shasta County), Redding — Clear Creek |
| | In 1848
Gold was first discovered
on this creek
by
Major Pierson Barton Reading
Early California Pioneer
[The artwork inscription:]
Mt. Shasta
14,161 Feet
Official Emblem of Shasta Historical Society — Map (db m14394) |
| California (Shasta County), Whiskeytown — Tower House Historic District |
| | Down this short trail, a bridge crosses Clear Creek just before the creek converges with Crystal and Mill Creeks. Prehistory and history converge here, too – on the Tower House Historic District. For more than 6000 years this area was home to the Wintu People. Other evidence of human enterprise and growth are here as well, sparked by the discovery of gold in Clear Creek during the mid 1800s.
Water is the thread that connects history here. These streams provided year-round water, relief . . . — Map (db m12545) |
| California (Siskiyou County), Newell — 110 — Canby’s Cross |
| | General E.R.S. Canby was murdered here in April, 1873, while holding a peace parley under flag of truce with Captain Jack and Indian Chiefs. Rev. Eleazer Thomas, Peace Commissioner, was likewise treacherously slain. — Map (db m10466) |
| California (Siskiyou County), Newell — 9 — Captain Jack’s Stronghold |
| | From this fortress Captain Jack and his Indian forces successfully resisted capture by U.S. Army troops from December 1, 1872 to April 18, 1873. Other nearby landmarks of the Modoc Indian War are Canby's Cross, No.110 and Guillam's Graveyard, No.13
Historical Landmark No.9 — Map (db m10460) |
| California (Siskiyou County), Tule Lake — Petroglyph Point |
| | For thousands of years, the hill rising in front of you was an island. Ancient Lake Modoc lapped against its base, scouring cliffs. Later, Native Americans canoed to these cliffs to carve symbols in the soft volcanic tuff, and Modocs still tell of Kamookumpts, creator of the world, who sleeps here.
As you walk along the base of the of the cliff a trail brochure will guide you past petroglyphs and through stories of Petroglyph Point and the native peoples who have gone before and continue today. — Map (db m13736) |
| California (Sonoma County), Jenner — The Native Alaskan Village |
| | Native Alaskans, brought to Fort Ross by the Russian-American Company to hunt sea mammals and provide a work force for the colon, established a village on the marine terrace in front of the fort. The neighborhood also included the dwellings of inter-ethnic households composed of Native Alaskan men and local Native Californian women, In this "View of Fort Ross, 1828" by A. B. Duhaut-Cilly these homes appear on the far left above the ocean. This one-half acre site was investigated by . . . — Map (db m16361) |
| California (Sonoma County), Sonoma — Mission San Francisco Solano Sacred Ground |
| | In this sacred grounds lie buried men, women and children of the local Coast Miwok, Patwin, Wappo and Pomo Tribes. They built, labored and died at Mission San Francisco Solano.
[A list of names of Native Americans buried here follows the inscription. Two markers flank this marker with additional listings of names.] — Map (db m15297) |
| California (Sonoma County), Sonoma — Servants Quarters |
| |
Casa de los Criados
Wing of General Vallejo’s Adobe — Map (db m15291) |
| California (Stanislaus County), Newman — Orestimba |
| | A local Indian word for "meeting place". Nearby are the famous Indian rocks and sycamore grove where mission padres met with the local Indian tribes. Visited by Lt. Moraga and Fr. Viader on October 25, 1810. Became a favorite watering place for travelers of El Camino Viejo, "the Old Road", that traversed the west side of the valley from San Pedro to San Antonio".
Erected April 20, 1974
Estanislao Chapter No. 58 NGH
E Clampus Vitus — Map (db m17243) |
| California (Tulare County), Porterville — 388 — Tule River Indian Reservation |
| | A reservation was originally established in 1857. Indians from a widespread area were brought here. The natives of this vicinity were the Kuyeti Tribe toward the west and the Yaudanchi Tribe toward the east. Both were branches of the Yokuts Indians that occupied the San Joaquin Valley.
This location, not proving satisfactory, Tule River Indian Reservation was moved to its present location ten miles south-east in 1873. — Map (db m13237) |
| California (Tuolumne County), Tuolumne — 445 — Cherokee — Mark Twain Bret Harte Trail |
| | First placer camp in East Belt section of Mother Lode. Gold discovered here in 1853 by Scott brothers, descendants of Cherokee Indians. Scars of placer “diggings” in every little arroyo in Cherokee Valley healed over by Mother Nature later replaced by quartz mines. Present day productive farms in this area were once rich placer grounds. — Map (db m6819) |
| Colorado (Denver County), Denver — Sand Creek Massacre |
| | The controversy surrounding this Civil War Monument has become a symbol of Coloradens' struggle to understand and take responsibility for our past. On November 29, 1864, Colorado's First and Third Cavalry, commanded by Colonel John Chivington, attacked Chief Black Kettle's peaceful camp of Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians on the banks of Sand Creek, about 180 miles southeast of here. In the surprise attack, soldiers killed more than 150 of the village's 500 inhabitants. Most of the victims were . . . — Map (db m6755) |
| Colorado (La Plata County), Breen — [Old] Fort Lewis College |
| | Originated on the site of a U.S. Cavalry post established in 1880 at Hesperus. From 1891 until 1956 the old fort was operated as an Indian school, a vocational high school and a junior college.
The first president of the college was Charles Dale Rea. It was chiefly through his aggressive leadership that the college was reconstructed here in 1956.
In 1962 it became a liberal arts college operating on a trimester program and offering work leading to the bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees. — Map (db m22765) |
| Connecticut (Litchfield County), New Milford — Lover’s Leap State Park |
| | Highlights of Lover’s Leap State Park
New Milford, CT
Lover’s Leap State Park is located in southern New Milford. The Housatonic River flows through the park and forms the headwaters of Lake Lillinonah. This historic 140 acre park began in 1971 when Catherine Hurd bequeathed her 52 acre estate to the State of Connecticut for use as a ‘public park.’ In 2001, the Connecticut Light & Power Company sold 86 adjoining acres to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, with the . . . — Map (db m22739) |
| Connecticut (Litchfield County), Woodbury — Ancient Trading Path |
| | In past times the ancient paths in Connecticut were formed by large animals as they moved with the seasons and migrated to salt deposits. The Native Americans followed these same paths as they hunted these animals, traded with other tribes and also made war in troubled times. European colonials found these paths and used them to trade and migrate into the interior of this state and new nation. This foot path, Main Street, was used by local tribes as they traded and hunted, and colonials as they . . . — Map (db m17638) |
| Delaware (New Castle County), Newark — Enjoy the Pencader Area Today |
| | If you are just "passing through" or are a new resident or even a life-long Delawarean, we hope to spark your interest in the varied activities available in the Pencader Hundred Area. Whether your are experiencing these for the first time or rediscovering your heritage, we hope you enjoy what Pencader has to offer. Left Column Parks The Pencader Hundred Area has many parks for the public to enjoy. Lum's Pond is a state park located on Howell Road just east of Rout 896. Picnic . . . — Map (db m10871) |
| Delaware (New Castle County), Newark — In the Beginning — Formation of the Delmarva Peninsula |
| | Left Column Delaware is the second smallest state in the country. However, we played an important role in the formation of the nation. Caesar Rodney rode from Lewes to Philadelphia to cast the deciding vote for independence in 1776. We were the first state to ratify the Constitution in 1787. Piedmont Rocks(Crystaline Rocks): Metamorphosed (changed by pressure and heat) sedimentary rocks of the ancient North American Continent and adjacent ocean basin. Wilmington . . . — Map (db m10867) |
| Delaware (New Castle County), Newark — Your Gateway to Pencader Heritage — Exploring the Past |
| | Left Column Welsh Tract Church William Penn granted a 30,000 acre tract of land to three Welshmen, (David Evans, William Davis, and William Willis) in 1701. They and their followers had left southern Wales in search of religious freedom. In encouraging settlement of this portion of "the lower three counties", William Penn was defending his charter against possible incursion of settlers from the adjacent Calvert Charter which established Maryland. The Welsh were an Old School . . . — Map (db m10874) |
| Delaware (New Castle County), Odessa — Odessa |
| | Indian Village Appoquinimi. Part of large grant to Alexander D'Hinoyessa, vice-director of New Amstel. Edmund Cantwell second owner of tract, 1673. Village named Cantwell's Bridge, 1731. Once important grain shipping center. Named Odessa 1855, after Russian grain port. — Map (db m10307) |
| Delaware (Sussex County), Laurel — S-84 — Laurel |
| | This site was originally part of a tract known as "Bachelor's Delight". From 1711 to 1768 it was included in a 3,000 acre Nanticoke Indian Reservation, authorized by an act of the Maryland Assembly. A village known as "Laurel" existed as early as 1799. Birthplace of Governor William H. H. Ross (elected 1850), and home to Governors Nathaniel Mitchell (elected 1804), William B. Cooper (elected 1840), Joshua H. Marvil (elected 1894), and Elbert N. Carvel (elected 1948 and 1960). The town's central . . . — Map (db m4423) |
| Delaware (Sussex County), Laurel — SC-182 — The Wading Place |
| | Here was Laurel's ancient "Wading Place", a ford for Native Americans and colonial settlers. Broad Creek crosses this fall in its flow to the Nanticoke River and Chesapeake Bay. For centuries, the Nanticoke Indians, an Algonquin people, lived in the Nanticoke Watershed, within which Broad Creek is an important tributary. Here were oak and cedar, marsh and creek, bass and perch, deer and wolves. Until 1775 this area was part of Maryland. In the 18th Century events here reflected pressures to the . . . — Map (db m11817) |
| Delaware (Sussex County), Lewes — Lewes — Zwaanendael |
| | On north side of town was Zwaanendael, first Dutch settlement on Delaware soil. Founded 1631 on creek, named by settlers Hoorn Kil in honor of town of Hoorn in Holland. Colony was destroyed by Indians same year. DeVries, a director of company which had sent out colony, came over next year with aid but returned to Holland 1633. — Map (db m19407) |
| District of Columbia (Washington), Adams-Morgan — 2 of 18 — Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park — Roads to Diversity — Adams Morgan Heritage Trail |
| | Long before Europeans arrived, Meridian Hill was a sacred place for Native Americans. As recently as 1992, a delegation of Native Americans walked across the continent to this park to mourn the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival. They were received by environmentalist Josephine Butler, a champion of park preservation.
Europeans named the hill for Commodore David Porter’s grand Meridian Hill house (1825) which straddled the route of the prime meridian (16th Street). Americans used this . . . — Map (db m16910) |
| District of Columbia (Washington), Georgetown — Francis Scott Key Park |
| | A Place With Its Own History.
Before 1620 the area of the Francis Scott Key Park was inhabited by members of the Algonquian, Nacostine, Nacotchatank, Piscatoway and Patawomeke tribes. In 1634 it became part of the English Colony of Maryland.
Beginning in the 18th Century, Falls or M Street (1) was the trail to the Potomac river falls, and Frederick or 34th Street (2) was the access to the west landing of the port of George Town and Hite's Ferry (3) to Virginia. George Washington . . . — Map (db m119) |
| Florida (Dixie County), Old Town — F-55 — Oldtown |
| | Inhabited by the Upper Creeks, Oldtown, often called Suwanee Oldtown, was one of the largest Indian villages in northern Florida. In Andrew Jackson's punitive expedition into Florida in April, 1818, Oldtown was captured. Most of the renegade Indians escaped, but Jackson caught Robert Armbister, a British subject, who was tried and executed for aiding the Creeks in border raids into Georgia. This produced tension between the United States and Great Britain. — Map (db m17712) |
| Florida (Duval County), Fort George Island — F-211 — Site of the Mission of San Juan del Puerto |
| | Marker Front:
The establishment of missions chiefly for the purpose of Christianizing the Indian population was one of the methods used by Spain in attempting to colonize Florida in the sixteenth century. The Mission of San Juan del Puerto was founded in the late 1500's by the Franciscan Order of friars to serve the Timucuan Indians living in the area. While working at this mission around 1600 Father Francisco Pareja prepared a Timucuan dictionary, grammar and several religious books . . . — Map (db m21654) |
| Florida (Glades County), Moore Haven — Billie Bowlegs III — Chufi Hajo — 1862 - 1965 |
| | In the Ortona cemetery, eight miles west of here, lie the remains of a noble citizen of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, a faithful representative of his people and a true friend of the white man. — Map (db m16423) |
| Florida (Hamilton County), White Springs — F-24 — White Springs |
| | These sulphur springs were thought to have medicinal properties and were considered sacred by the Indians. Warriors wounded in battle reputedly were not attacked when they came here to recuperate. Settlers moved into the vicinity in 1826 and the springs became an ante bellum resort noted for natural beauty and good cuisine. The village was a refuge during the War Between the States and many planters brought their families and slaves here for safety. — Map (db m13675) |
| Florida (Hardee County), Zolfo Spings — 1965 — Seminole Indian Battle |
| | One of the Last Battles fought with the Semiole Nation ended here on June 16, 1856 with Defeat of the Indians by Soldiers from Ft. Meade. — Map (db m24590) |
| Florida (Hillsborough County), Tampa — De Soto |
| |
1539 1926
[ DAR Emblem ]
This Tablet Erected By
De Soto Chapter
D.A.R.
Marks the tree under which tradition say's
De Soto
Parleyed with the Indians — Map (db m20789) |
| Florida (Hillsborough County), Ybor City — Historic Fort King Trail |
| | The Old Military Road connecting Ft. Brooke (Tampa) and Ft. King (Ocala) ran through this vicinity. On Dec. 23, 1835, Maj. Francis L. Dade set out over the Trail with a detachment of 109 soldiers to reinforce the small garrison of Ft. King.
On the morning of Dec. 28, 1835, Chief Alligator, leading the Seminoles and Maroons, ambushed the Dade Expedition near Bushnell. Only three survived. The Dade Massacre, planned by the fiery Osceola marked the beginning of the Second Seminole War. — Map (db m8980) |
| Florida (Indian River County), Orchid — F-222 — Site of Survivors’ and Salvagers’ Camp — The 1715 Fleet |
| | Late in July, 1715, a hurricane destroyed a fleet of eleven or possibly twelve homeward bound merchant ships carrying cargoes of gold and silver coinage and other valuable items from the American colonies to Spain. About 1500 men, women, and children who survived the disaster and reached the shore made their camp along the barrier island near the place where the fleet’s flagship had sunk. Governor General Corcoles sent a relief party composed chiefly of Indian auxiliaries from St. Augustine to . . . — Map (db m14306) |
| Florida (Martin County), Hobe Sound — F-57 — Jonathan Dickinson Shipwreck |
| | Three miles to the east on September 23, 1696, the British barkentine Reformation foundered off Jupiter Island. The 24 survivors included a party of Quakers bound from Jamaica to Pennsylvania. Leader of the Quakers was Jonathan Dickinson who described the trials of the group in his book, God's Protecting Providence, the first account of Indians on the southeast coast. Attacked by Indians and driven northward, the party arrived at St. Augustine in November, 1696. — Map (db m14311) |
| Florida (Orange County), Edgewood — F-483 — Site of Fort Gatlin |
| | On November 9, 1838, during the Second Seminole Indian War (1835-42), the U.S. Army established Fort Gatlin in Mosquito County. This fort was named for Army Assistant Surgeon John S. Gatlin (1806-1835), who was killed in the Dade Massacre in 1835. The site of the fort was chosen as a military outpost due to its strategic position overlooking three lakes and because the area was frequented by Native Americans led by Seminole Chief King Philip and his son Coacoochee. The fort served the state . . . — Map (db m6912) |
| Florida (Palm Beach County), Jupiter — Ft. Jupiter - Jupiter Lighthouse |
| | Fort Jupiter was located three miles west on Loxahatchee River, erected January 1838 by troops commanded by Major General Thomas S. Jessup, establishing base for operations in the Seminole Indian Wars. Jupiter Lighthouse, approximately one mile northeast, first lighted July 10, 1860, darkened during the War between the States, was relighted June 23, 1866. — Map (db m14310) |
| Florida (Pasco County), Dade City — Whitehouse |
| | Whitehouse Road marks the south boundary of land settled about 1842 by James Gibbons under the Armed Occupation Act. The first Fort Dade Post Office was established there in 1845. In that year, Gibbons' widow, Mary, wed William Kendrick, Captain of the Fort Dade Militia. Their whitewashed, two-story split board home and trading post was the beginning of Dade City. At the end of the Seminole Wars, Sampson, a free Negro serving the Army as Indian Interpreter, fell in love with Rose, a Whitehouse . . . — Map (db m10474) |
| Florida (Pasco County), Elfers — Elfers |
| | Side 1 Once an Indian hunting ground called "Alafia," this area was surveyed by Samuel Hope in the 1840's and was successively known as "Alfiers," "The Neck," "Sapling Woods," and "Elfers" -- a variation of the Indian name. Fishing, timber and citrus supported early residents. The nearby Samuel and Elizabeth Pinder Baker home was built in 1882. Elfers Post Office was established in 1909. The town was incorporated from 1925 to 1933. Side 2 The State Bank of Elfers failed, due to the collapse . . . — Map (db m13672) |
| Florida (Pinellas County), Safety Harbor — Safety Harbor Site |
| | has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark under the provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935 This site possesses exceptional value in commemorating or illustrating the history of the United States — Map (db m13646) |
| Florida (Pinellas County), Tierra Verde — F-90 — Tierra Verde Mound |
| | A large Indian burial mound was built near this spot about 1500 A.D. It was used for some years by the inhabitants of a nearby Safety Harbor culture village, Indians who were among the ancestors of the later Tocobago tribe. Excavation in 1961 by State agencies added to our knowledge of these people. — Map (db m13679) |
| Florida (Putnam County), Welaka — F-411 — The Mount Royal Site |
| | Mount Royal has been a favored location for people to live for thousands of years. Archaeological sites include a Native American burial mound, earthworks, village area, and evidence of a British plantation, as well as the remains of a Spanish mission occupied by the Timucus Indians. British naturalist William Bartram visited Mount Royal in 1765–1766, and again in 1774. His description of the large mound, fields, earthen causeways and an artificial pond was published in 1791 and is one of . . . — Map (db m1034) |
| Florida (Sarasota County), Venice — The Calusa and Seminole Peoples |
| | The Calusa were native Florida Indians who dominated south Florida from their homeland on the southwest Gulf coast. They were formidable warriors, accomplished artists, and expert boaters. The Calusa did not farm, but instead prospered by fishing in the rich estuaries using nets, traps, and weirs, and by gathering shellfish and wild plant foods. They resisted Spanish domination for over two hundred years.
In the early 1700s other Indians from Georgia and Alabama raided into the Florida . . . — Map (db m23873) |
| Florida (Sumter County), Bushnell — On This Spot — December 28, 1835 |
| | Major Francis L. Dade and his command consisting of detachments of the Fourth Infantry, Second and Third Artillery United States Army, while marching from Tampa Bay to Fort King was attacked by a superior force of Seminole Indians commanded by Mico Nopah head chief of the Indians. The entire command save three were killed after a spirited resistance by the troops.
Here was fought the first battle of the Seven Years War with the Florida Indians.
This ground dedicated by the state of . . . — Map (db m20024) |
| Florida (Volusia County), Ormond Beach — F-52 — Nocoroco |
| | On this site was the Timucua Indian village of Nocoroco. It was mentioned in the report of Alvaro Mexia's expedition down the Florida east coast in 1605. It was the first Indian village south of St. Augustine noted by Mexia. The site was used during the British Occupation of Florida (1763-83) and probably remained under cultivation until the Seminole Wars (1835-42). — Map (db m21135) |
| Georgia (Baldwin County), Milledgeville — 005-30 — De Soto in Georgia |
| | In May 1539 Hernando de Soto landed in Florida with over 600 people, 220 horses and mules, and a herd reserved for famine. Fired by his success in
Pizarro's conquest of Peru, De Soto had been granted the rights, by the King of Spain, to explore, then govern, southeastern North America. After wintering in Tallahassee, the De Soto expedition set out on a quest for gold which eventually spanned four years and crossed portions of nine states. This was the first recorded European exploration of . . . — Map (db m12307) |
| Georgia (Baldwin County), Milledgeville — 005-23 — Fort Wilkinson |
| | Three hundred yards east of this point stood Ft. Wilkinson, established in 1797 on Georgia's Indian boundary. Garrisoned by soldiers whose families lived outside the stockade, it was an early trading house where Creek Indians were provided agricultural
supplies under the Treaty of New York (1790). Here occurred in 1802 the treaty which extinguished Indian titles to land westward to Commissioner’s Creek, which area was in the first Georgia land lottery in 1805. In 1807, the garrison was moved . . . — Map (db m13140) |
| Georgia (Barrow County), Statham — Statham House |
| | Built circa 1850. Owned by M. John C. Statham. He provided homes for widows of Civil War Veterans; donated land for right-of-way of railroad; streets for town, and a lot for a Methodist Church -- now the city cemetery. Statham, incorporated Dec. 20, 1892, named in honor of its founder, M.J.C. Statham. First Post Office known as Barber’s Creek, 1846; then DeLay, 1854; and changed to Statham in 1892. Statham was originally known as Calamit Village, part of the Talasee Colony on the Ocoloco Trail, . . . — Map (db m17348) |
| Georgia (Barrow County), Winder — 007-1 — Fort Yargo — <------<<<< |
| | This remarkably preserved log blockhouse was built in 1793, according to historians. There are several references to Fort Yargo as existing prior to 1800. Its location is given as three miles southwest of “Jug Tavern,” original name for Winder. Early historians say Fort Yargo was one of four forts built by Humphries Brothers to protect early white settlers from Indians. The other three forts were listed as at Talassee, Thomocoggan, now Jefferson, and Groaning Rock, now Commerce. . . . — Map (db m22396) |
| Georgia (Barrow County), Winder — Winder's Most Historical Site |
| | For years inestimable the CREEK INDIAN VILLAGE of SNODON stood here. In 1793 ALONZO DRAPER, HOMER JACKSON and HERMAN SCUPEEN and their families became the first white people to establish homes in SNODON. This same year SNODON became JUG TAVERN. In 1862, BRYD BETTS gave a portion of land for JUG TAVERN’S first church, the First Methodist.
In 1880 HILLMAN D. JACKSON, DR. JAMES M. SAUNDERS and REV. D. FRANK RUTHERFORD purchased 11 1/2 acres and built JUG TAVERN`S FIRST SCHOOL on this spot . . . — Map (db m17349) |
| Georgia (Bartow County), Adairsville — Adairsville, Georgia |
| | Adairsville had its beginning in Oothcaloga Valley, two miles north of the present site. It was named for Cherokee Indian Chief John Adair, the son of a Scottish trader and a Cherokee Princess.
Adairsville moved in 1848 to Adair Station (established 1846 by William Watts) but kept the name Adairsville, honoring the Indian Chief.
The Battle of Adairsville, sometimes known as the "Gravel House Battle" was fought May 17, 1864.
Adairsville was entered in the National Register of . . . — Map (db m20005) |