Growing up in San Diego, this is part of every school’s history curriculum, learning about local battles and the many ways we ravaged, devastated, and destroyed native Americans from their land.
Click to read more about the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians
East of Escondido in San Diego’s North County, San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park honors the soldiers who fought in the battle between the U.S.and Californio forces on December 6, 1846 in the midst of the Mexican-American War. Generals Stephen Kearny and Andres Pico both claimed victory. The battle was only one of the military encounters in California in the war, but it proved to be the bloodiest and most controversial as to the outcome. The park has been set aside, not as a monument to war, but as a reminder of the human ideals, actions and passions that can drive nations to bloodshed.
One day after a hike in Ramona, tugboat man and I stopped at this monument to walk around the battlefield and tour the museum.
It was hard for us to look at the old photos of the Kumeyaay and we felt ashamed for the violence perpetrated upon them that violated every aspect of their lives as the bountiful and fruitful land was seized and they were kicked out.
Antique weapon of mass destruction.
I love coyote scat.
Soldier’s uniform.
Fancy knotwork very similar to mariners’ marlinspike seamanship.
If they’re open, don’t miss visiting the San Diego Archaeological Center right near door to the San Pasqual Museum.