Centinela Springs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Centinela Springs |
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| Location | 700 Warren Ln, Inglewood, California |
| Reference no. | 363 |
The Centinela Springs (also known as Aguaje de la Centinela) were a super important source of fresh spring water in Southern California. For a long time, this water helped people and animals thrive in the area. Today, you can find a special marker for these springs in Inglewood, California. It's located in Edward Vincent Jr. Park, which used to be called Centinela Park.
One of the monuments at the site was made in 1937 by an artist named Archibald Garner. It honors the springs, which have been flowing since the Ice Age!
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What are Centinela Springs?
Centinela Springs are natural springs where water flows up from underground. This water was very pure and fresh. It was a vital resource for the large ranch known as Rancho Aguaje de la Centinela. The name "Centinela" comes from the Spanish word for "sentinel," like a guard. This might refer to people who watched over cattle near the springs.
A Natural Water Source
Imagine a time long, long ago, during the Ice Age. Even then, these springs were bubbling up from the earth! This means the water has been flowing for thousands of years. Early animals, Native American people, and later settlers in Inglewood all came to these springs. They relied on the pure, natural water for their survival.
Historical Markers and Their Stories
At the Centinela Springs site, you can see two important historical markers. These markers tell the story of the springs.
- The first marker, placed in 1939, says: "FROM TIME IMMEMORIAL GOD'S BLESSING OF SWEET WATER TO ALL HIS CREATURES | MARKED BY CALIFORNIA HISTORY AND LANDMARKS CLUB MARCH 2, 1939." This shows how people saw the springs as a gift of nature.
- The second marker, placed in 1976, gives more details: "AGUAJE DE LA CENTINELA (CENTINELA SPRINGS) | ON THIS SITE BUBBLING SPRINGS ONCE FLOWED FROM THEIR SOURCE IN A DEEP WATER BASIN WHICH HAS EXISTED CONTINUOUSLY SINCE THE PLEISTOCENE ERA. PREHISTORIC ANIMALS, INDIANS, AND EARLY INGLEWOOD SETTLERS WER ATTRACTED HERE BY THE PURE ARTESIAN WATER. THE SPRINGS AND VALLEY WERE NAMED AFTER SENTINELS GUARDING THE CATTLE IN THE AREA. | CALIFORNIA REGISTERED HISTORICAL LANDMARK NO. 363 | PLAQUE PLACED BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION IN COOPERATION WITH THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF CENTINELA VALLEY, OCTOBER 9, 1976." This marker explains that the water was "artesian," meaning it flowed naturally to the surface.
Why are These Springs Important?
The Centinela Springs are a California Historical Landmark (number 363). This means they are recognized as a very important place in California's history. They show us how people and animals depended on natural resources long ago. The springs also connect us to the early days of Inglewood and the larger Los Angeles area.
Images for kids
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Centinela Springs historical marker from 1939
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Centinela Springs historical marker from 1976
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A combined view of both Centinela Springs historical markers
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A wood carving called “Centinela Springs” from the New Deal era, found at the Inglewood post office.
