Cantua Creek (Fresno Slough tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cantua Creek |
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|---|---|
| Native name | Arroyo de Cantúa |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Region | Fresno County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | source on the northwest slope of Santa Rita Peak in the Diablo Range., San Benito County 4,200 ft (1,300 m) 36°20′58″N 120°36′19″W / 36.34944°N 120.60528°W |
| River mouth | mouth 4 miles south of Cantua Creek, California., Fresno County 344 ft (105 m) 36°26′51″N 120°18′36″W / 36.44750°N 120.31000°W |
| Official name: Arroyo de Cantúa | |
| Reference #: | 344 |
Cantua Creek, once known in Spanish as Arroyo de Cantúa, is a stream in California. It got its name from José de Guadalupe Cantúa. He was an important rancher from the 1800s when California was part of Mexico.
This creek used to flow into the Fresno Slough. This happened during years with a lot of heavy winter rain.
Where Cantua Creek Flows
The creek starts on the northern side of Santa Rita Peak. This peak is in the Diablo Range mountains. Its source is about 5.9 miles southeast of Idria. This area is located in San Benito County.
Cantua Creek first flows north, then turns east into Fresno County. It comes out of a narrow valley called Arroyo de Cantúa canyon. This canyon separates the Big Blue Hills from the Ciervo Hills. After this, it flows into the western part of the San Joaquin Valley.
The creek continues towards the Fresno Slough to the northeast. However, it no longer reaches it. Cantua Creek now ends shortly after passing under Interstate 5. This is about 4 miles south of the town of Cantua Creek, California. It ends just west of the California Aqueduct, a large water channel.
Cantua Creek's Past
The area around the Arroyo de Cantúa was first explored by a group of soldiers. They were led by José de Guadalupe Cantúa (1786–1860). He served in the Spanish army. His group explored the area while bringing Native American people to the Mission San Juan. The creek was named in his honor. Later, he received land for his ranch, called Rancho San Luisito, near San Luis Obispo.
In the 1800s, a Spanish and Mexican trail called El Camino Viejo crossed the Arroyo Cantúa. This trail was important for travel in the San Joaquin Valley.
The Cantua Ranch
Two of Guadalupe Cantúa's sons, Lupe and Domingo, later started a ranch on the Arroyo Cantúa. They were connected to a group led by Joaquin Murrieta. Their ranch in the mountains near the creek was a place where they gathered horses. These horses were then taken to their ranch in Sonora, Mexico to be sold.
A Special Landmark
The Arroyo de Cantúa is recognized as California Historical Landmark #344. This landmark remembers a famous event from 1853. It is said that California Rangers, led by Harry Love, had an encounter with Joaquin Murrieta and a person known as Three Fingered Jack (Tres Dedos) here. Two other people were also captured.
This event happened at Murrieta Spring 36°24′34″N 120°24′20″W / 36.40944°N 120.40556°W. This spring flowed from the south bank of the Cantúa. It formed a pool where the creek came out of the mountains. This spot was about a mile above where California State Route 33 now crosses Cantua Creek. The spring was also about 100 yards above where the El Camino Viejo trail crossed the creek. Years later, wells were drilled nearby to provide water for animals. This caused the spring to stop flowing.
