In the fall of 1775 Anza began assembling families in Culiacan, Sinaloa and Horcasitas, Sonora.
Residents heard a call of lush lands and plentiful resources in a place far from their desert home. Anza invited men to join the expedition as paid soldiers on two conditions: they would not return and they had to bring their families. This diverse group was a mixture of indigenous, European and Afro-Latino people who were willing to take a chance to improve their lives.
De Anza added families and supplies along the way until they reached Tubac. There more families and supplies for the 1,200-mile journey were assembled. All told there were 240 men, women. children and soldiers in the expedition plus 1000 head of livestock including 165 pack mules, 340 horses and riding mules, brood mares with colts, burros and over 300 head of beef cattle. Plus 6 tons of flour, beans, cornmeal, cooking kettles, tools, munitions, clothing and blankets. It was said this caravan was over a mile long!
After mass on October 2, 1775 the march got under way. The very first night a baby was born, but the mother died of complications. Another baby was born on Nov. 19th. Enduring many hardships while crossing the desert the caravan was halted for four days by a snowstorm in the mountains. On Christmas Eve a third baby was born. In early January 1776 the caravan reached the San Gabriel mission. Continued...
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