Historical Significance

Commemorating historic Zanja irrigation to San Berdardino Rancho of Mission San Gabriel. It was the site of the first Spanish settlement in San Bernardino Valley and became a supply chain station and Mission Chapel for Mission San Gabriel. The Zanja c. 1819 was one of the principal sources of Mission San Gabriel's vast wealth. The Zanja was one of the longest irrigation works ever undertaken in CA during the Mission Period, supporting not only ranching but also agriculture and grist milling, unusual levels of development for the Mission and Rancho Period. Arrowhead Valley Chapter is serving as stewards for the site.

Marker Text

Guachama Rancheria, lying along this road, was named San Bernardino May 20, 1810 by Franciso Dumetz. In 1819 it became the San Bernardino Rancho of Mission San Gabriel. The Adobe Administration building stood about 70 YDS. North of this spot, an Enramada serving as Chapel. The Zanja was constructed to convey water from the mountains for irrigation. Control by Mission Fathers ended in 1834. Placed by Arrowhead Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution 1932

Press Release for Dedication

Arrowhead Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution will dedicate a marker placed at the site of the first civilization in San Bernardino Valley next Saturday afternoon.

George W. Beattie student of the valley’s history will explain the significance of the marker and background of history which caused the spot to be selected as one of California’s historical scenes worthy of marking.

A.E. Isham will offer the dedicatory prayer. The ceremony will begin at 4 p.m. and all persons interested in the history of the valley are invited.

A bronze tablet has been affixed to a concrete monument reciting briefly the reason the monument was placed. It reads:

“Guachama Rancheria lying along this road was named San Bernardino May 20, 1810 by Francisco Dumetz. In 1819 it became the San Bernardino Mission San Gabriel. The adobe administration building stood about 70 yards north of this spot, an enramada serving as chapel. The zanja was to convey water from the mountains for irrigation. Control by mission fathers ended in 1834.”

The monument stands at the north side of Mission Road, east of the junction with Mountain View Avenue, in what is known as the mission district or Old San Bernardino. It is on the property of Gabe Wright, pioneer zanjero, close to the line dividing his orange grove and that of J.D. Landford.