Mill Creek Zanja facts for kids
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Mill Creek Zanja
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Redlands, California |
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| Area | 15 acres (6.1 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000329 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 12, 1977 |
The Mill Creek Zanja, also called the Sankey, is a historic irrigation canal in Redlands, California. An irrigation canal is like a man-made river that carries water to farms. This zanja (which means canal in Spanish) was built a very long time ago to bring water from Mill Creek to local farms.
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What is the Mill Creek Zanja?
The Mill Creek Zanja is an old waterway. It was built to move water from one place to another. This water was used to help crops grow. It is a special part of California's history.
Building the Zanja
The Serrano people were the first to dig this canal. They built it in 1819. Their goal was to get water from Mill Creek. This water was for their farms located east of Redlands.
The zanja also supplied water for the San Bernardino de Sena Estancia. This was a mission outpost. It was built close to the canal to easily get its water.
Why the Zanja Was Important
The water from the canal became very valuable. It helped farming grow a lot in the area. This growth is sometimes called an "agricultural boom."
Because the water was so important, people argued over who had the right to use it. These arguments led to several legal fights in the 1800s. In the 1920s, the City of Redlands covered up the western part of the zanja.
The Zanja Today
The Mill Creek Zanja is still in use today. It carries drainage water and storm runoff away from the city. It is the oldest irrigation canal in California that is still working. It is also the oldest civil engineering project in Southern California.
The zanja was recognized as a California Historical Landmark in 1932. Later, in 1977, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a very important historical site.
Today, the city and other local groups are working on a new project. They are building a trail and a greenway next to the canal. This will create a nice place for people to walk and enjoy nature.
