Juan Bautista de Anza:
A Legacy of Exploration, Displacement and Settlement
by Connie Rogers, Gilroy Historical Society
H e led the first group of permanent settlers to our area in 1776, the same year as the American Revolution on the East Coast. This expedition significantly altered the region, though it also marked a challenging period of displacement and profound change for the Indigenous populations who had long inhabited these lands. Spain, which was ruling Mexico at the time, wanted to establish their dominance of Alta California by sending entire families to live in our area. Prior to that the explorers of several countries had planted their flags along the coast but none had established settlements.
DeAnza was the captain of the presidio at Tubac( now in Arizona) at the time he was commissioned by the Viceroy of New Spain to explore an overland path to Alta California. In January 1774, with some soldiers and guides and the help of the Yuma Indians to cross the Colorado River, he arrived at the Mission San Gabriel. He returned to Tubac in May having reached his objective of finding an overland trail to reach the coastal missions. This made it possible to bring much needed livestock and supplies, and earned him a promotion to Lt. Colonel. DeAnza was then granted permission to recruit and lead a group of settlers to Alta California. Planning began for a longer, larger expedition to bring permanent settlers the following year. DeAnza chose Jose Moraga as his lieutenant and Father Pedro Font was assigned as chaplain. Continued...
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