Panhe facts for kids

Panhe was a very old and important village for the Acjachemen people. It is more than 8,000 years old! Today, it is still a special place for them. It is used for ceremonies, cultural events, and is also a burial site.

The Panhe site is now part of San Onofre State Beach. This is in San Diego County, California. It sits where two waterways meet: San Mateo Creek and Cristianitos Canyon. This spot is about 3.7 miles (6 km) from the Pacific Ocean.

What is Panhe?

Panhe was one of the biggest villages of the Acjachemen people. These people lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. This means they found their food by hunting animals and gathering plants. They also fished a lot in the large freshwater marshes of San Mateo Creek.

A Long History

Before the first Spanish explorers arrived, about 300 people lived in Panhe. The village has been a home and a sacred place for the Acjachemen people for thousands of years. It is still considered very sacred today.

In 1769, something very important happened at Panhe. It was the first time Spanish explorers and Catholic missionaries met the Acjachemen people closely in California. It was also the site of the first baptism in California.

Protecting a Sacred Place

Panhe was almost destroyed by a plan to build a new toll road. This road would have connected to the main highway, Interstate 5. But many groups worked together to stop this. The Acjachemen people, environmental groups, and even surfer groups formed a team. They fought to protect Panhe, and they won! The road was not built.

Today, groups like the United Coalition to Protect Panhe and The City Project work hard. They help make sure this important site is kept safe for the future.

Panhe Today

The Acjachemen people still visit Panhe. They hold a special festival there every year. This festival is a way to honor their ancestors. It is also a time for them to share and celebrate their culture together.