Considering a place where the sun kisses the earth. That place is Kuruvungna Springs. This is a place where history whispers from the ground. Kuruvungna translates to “place where we are in the sun”. It marks a significant Tongva village. It now sits on the campus of University High School.
Archaeological finds suggest that this area has been inhabited for over 8000 years. Imagine the stories this land could tell. The Tongva people were the original inhabitants of Los Angeles. They were a prosperous Uto-Aztecan speaking people. Their sophisticated culture thrived here.
In 1769, a significant event occurred. Gaspar de Portola and his expedition camped at Kuruvungna. Spain began its colonization of Alta California. Father Crespi noted the friendly Tongva people. However, the Spanish project led to the forced relocation of the Tongva. They were moved to Mission San Gabriel. They became known as the Gabrielino Indians.
1821 marked Mexican independence. California Mission lands were promised to the Native Peoples. Instead, they were given to powerful men. In 1828, Don Francisco Sepulveda received a grazing permit. By 1839, he owned Rancho San Vicente y Santa Monica. This included Kuruvungna and its precious springs.
The United States invaded Mexico in 1848. The Treaty of Guadalupe followed. California became part of the United States. In 1872, the Sepulveda family sold a large portion of land. Colonel Robert S. Baker bought 38409 acres for $54000. The Rancho land was subdivided and sold. This included the village site of Kuruvungna. The Santa Monica Land and Water Company later acquired the springs. Named for Saint Monica’s tears, they supplied water to the new city. The area around Kuruvungna Springs became Sawtelle. Los Angeles annexed it in 1922.
In 1900, the Los Angeles Board of Education purchased 24 acres. This was for a new high school. During construction, an “Indian Village” was noted. The site yielded paints, grinding stones, and bone tools. Harding High School opened in 1924. Its name later changed to University High School. This linked it to UCLA.
The area around the lower springs was fenced in 1931. Two concrete lined ponds were constructed. Exotic plants were installed in the 1950s. Many of these still exist. Classrooms, parking lots, and tennis courts were added. A lath house, a greenhouse, and rabbit hutches were also built.
Human remains were discovered during construction in 1976. This led to the first archaeological testing. Archaeologists noted village remnants in 1980 and 1989. In 2013-14, more ancestral remains were unearthed. They were ceremoniously re-interred on the north hill of Kuruvungna.
The Gabrielino-Tongva Springs Foundation preserves and protects the site. It educates the public about its history. The foundation maintains a cultural center. It houses artifacts, historical documents, and photo collections. These resources highlight the history of the Tongva people.
Kuruvungna Springs received several recognitions. It was designated California Registered Landmark Site No. 522 in 1954. It became a Historical Point of Interest by the Sons of the American Colonists in 1954. In 1969, it was assigned the Archeological Designation CA-LAN-382. It was registered as a Sacred Site in 1989.
The springs have been known by many names. These include San Gregorio, El Berrendo, and Las Lagrimas de Santa Monica. Each name reflects a different chapter in its long story. Today, Kuruvungna Springs stands as a testament to the Tongva people. It is a place of history, culture, and remembrance.