Cahuenga, California facts for kids
Cahuenga (pronounced kə-WAYNG-gə) was once a Native American village in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. The name "Cahuenga" might mean "place of the hill" or "place of the fox" in the Tongva language. The Tongva and Tataviam people, who lived there, were also known as Fernandeño and Gabrieleño.
People from Cahuenga were sometimes called Capuebet in old mission records. The word -nga in Tongva means "place," and -bet or -bit means "person from a place."
Where Was Cahuenga?
The exact location of the Cahuenga village is not known today. However, it was likely near the Mission San Fernando Rey de España. This area is possibly close to what is now Universal City.
Some maps, like one from 2019, suggest the village was near the Valley Village neighborhood. Experts who studied the Campo de Cahuenga historic site agree that this area was important. It is traditionally known as the location of the old Kaweenga village.
Cahuenga in History
The first time someone from Cahuenga was written down in mission records was in 1798. Many people from Cahuenga were baptized at the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel between 1778 and 1815. Even more were baptized at the San Fernando Mission from 1800 to 1806.
Some people from Cahuenga were also baptized in the Pueblo of Los Angeles. Cahuenga had strong family ties with a nearby village called Siutcanga, located at the Encino Hot Springs. There were also some family connections with other villages like Tuyunga and Hahamongna.
Cahuenga's Lasting Name
The name Cahuenga is still used today for many places and events in Los Angeles. It was given to a large Mexican land grant called Rancho Cahuenga.
Important historical events also carry the name. These include the Battle of Cahuenga Pass in 1831 and the Second Battle of Cahuenga Pass in 1845. The Treaty of Cahuenga, which helped end a conflict in California, was signed at Campo de Cahuenga in Studio City.
Today, you can find the name Cahuenga in:
- Cahuenga Peak, a mountain peak.
- Cahuenga Pass, a famous pass between the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood.
- Cahuenga Boulevard, a major street.
- The Cahuenga Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library.
