Arvin in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Francisco Garces O.F.M

Photographed By Craig Baker, 2017

1. Francisco Garces O.F.M Marker

Inscription. Padre Garcés, first recorded non-Indian to visit this locality, came in April of 1776, seeking a new route from Mexico to California. His epic journey covered more than two thousand miles of uncharted wilderness, opening trails that later became highways and railroads.

Erected by Kern County Chamber of Commerce, Kern County Historical Society, Bakersfield El Tajon, Parlor No. 239 N.D.G.W, Bakersfield Parlor No.42 N.S.G.W. (Marker Number 371.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Exploration • Hispanic Americans. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1776.

Location. 35° 12.516′ N, 118° 49.275′ W. Marker is in Arvin, California, in Kern County. Marker can be reached from Bear Mountain Boulevard. Marker is located in the Courtyard of Saint Thomas the Apostle Church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 350 E Bear Mountain Blvd, Arvin CA 93203, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 15 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Arvins Veterans (approx. 0.7 miles away); Arvin-Sierra Glider Port (approx. 8.9 miles away); Bakersfield National Cemetery

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(approx. 9.1 miles away); Kern River Slough (approx. 9.3 miles away); Sinks of the Tejon (approx. 9.6 miles away); Bealville (approx. 11.9 miles away); Caliente (approx. 12.4 miles away); Pablo Galtes - Union Cemetery (approx. 14½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arvin.

More about this marker. This site was designated California Historical Landmark No. 371

Regarding Francisco Garces O.F.M. Padre Francis Tomás Hermenogildo Garcés also founded Mission La Purisima Concepción de la Virgén Santisima, located near where the Gila River meets the Colorado River in Arizona.

As there was no protection from a manned Presidio and the Quechan Indians were upset because promises made by de Anza were not kept and they resented the appropriation of their crops and fields by settlers and soldiers, the Missions did not last long. The straw that broke the camel's back (so to speak) was a large group of colonists with some 1,000 head of cattle who arrived in 1781. While these colonists were heading for Los Angeles, the Indians thought they had come to settle

Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 15, 2006

2. Francisco Garces O.F.M Marker

and attacked on 18 July of that year. Chief Palma, a known friend of the padres and chief of the village closest to La Purisima, did not take part in the raid and arranged for a search for his friend Padre Garcés. Sadly, he gave the task to a member of the Nefora tribe which did not have as good a relationship with the padres. When Padre Garcés and his associates were found, this Indian ordered that they be killed. Thus, on 19 July 1781 Padres Francis Tomás Hermenogildo Garcés, Juan Antonio Barreneche, Juan Diaz and Matias Moreno became martyrs. The Indians also killed Captain Don Fernando Rivera and most other males at the two missions. All-in-all, more than 100 Hispanic settlers were killed, and 74 were held captive until ransomed by Governor Pedro Fages in 1782.

Source: Virtual Tour of California Missions – Two Forgotten Missions

Photographed By Syd Whittle, March 15, 2006

3. Francisco Garces O.F.M Marker

Photographed By Mia Kostouros, June 28, 2014

4. Francisco Garces O.F.M Marker

Photographed By Denise Boose, September 5, 2011

5. Francisco Garces O.F.M Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,632 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 2, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2, 3. submitted on September 29, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4. submitted on July 19, 2014, by Mia Kostouros of Los Banos, California. 5. submitted on January 15, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California.