Trust in a dream. That’s what the colonists did when they followed Juan Bautista De Anza. This is the story of Juan Bautista De Anza and the historic trail. It connects Mexico to San Francisco. It links the 18th century to today.
Juan Bautista De Anza’s father dreamed of an overland route to Alta California. He died when Juan was young. Juan Bautista De Anza followed his father’s path. He joined the Spanish military. He became a captain.
Spain needed to secure Alta California. They feared Russian and English expansion. Sea routes were dangerous. Anza sought permission to find a land route. Permission was granted.
In 1774, Anza found a path using Indian trails. This allowed for needed supplies. He then recruited settlers for Alta California. Spain wanted to establish a colony at el Rio San Francisco. Anza aimed to deliver the settlers safely.
In 1775, Anza called for settlers in Culiacán and Horcasitas. He spoke of lush lands. He invited men to join as paid soldiers. They could not return. They had to bring their families.
The Anza expedition left Tubac Presidio in October 1775. Thirty families joined. That totaled about 240 settlers. They trusted Anza’s promise of a better life.
The settlers were diverse. They had Indigenous, European, and Afro-Latino ancestry. Anza offered them an opportunity they couldn’t refuse.
The settlers, soldiers and support workers formed a traveling town. It had over 300 people. It had more than 1,000 livestock. Anza led them through the desert.
Most days began with mass. Father Pedro Font led the alabado hymn. Font kept a detailed journal. Anza’s journal was official. Font’s was eloquent.
These journals recorded the journey’s struggles and successes. Without them, details would be unknown. On June 27, 1776, the families arrived in San Francisco, led by Lt. Moraga. Anza ensured they reached their destination. Spain established its northernmost colony. Colonists found a better life.
Anza forged alliances with some Indians. The Pima and Chumash provided food. Chief Palma and the Quechan helped cross the Colorado River. Spain aimed to acculturate local Indians into mission life. They saw it as saving souls. Indians provided the labor to build missions. Many were forced into an unfamiliar lifestyle.
The Spanish believed this elevated Indians. In reality, it altered the tribal world. Indian populations declined. Their traditions were disrupted. Spanish colonialism ended the tribal world as it was.
Today, descendants of the expedition live on. Family names like Berryessa and Bernal are found throughout California. Native people continue their traditions.
In 1990, Congress created the Juan Bautista De Anza National Historic Trail. It is a 1,200-mile trail from Nogales, Arizona, to San Francisco, California. It traces the 1775-1776 Anza Expedition route.
Juan Bautista De Anza successfully opened a land route for immigration. He confirmed San Francisco Bay was a great port. The soldiers and families brought their language and culture. They shaped Arizona and California.
The Juan Bautista De Anza National Historic Trail commemorates this journey. It reminds us of the people who shaped California’s history. It highlights the diverse cultures that built this land. It shows the legacy of Juan Bautista De Anza.