Panoche Creek facts for kids

Panoche Creek is a stream in central California. It flows through San Benito County and Fresno County. This creek has had a few names over time.

It was first known as Arroyo de Panoche Grande. This Spanish name means "Big Sugarloaf Creek." Later, people started calling it Big Panoche Creek. Eventually, its name became simply "Panoche Creek." For a while, the lower parts of the creek were even called "Silver Creek."

The creek starts from a pond near Panoche Pass. It collects water from the higher parts of the southern Diablo Range. Panoche Creek flows east through the Panoche Valley. It then enters Fresno County. Finally, it empties into the San Joaquin Valley, about 7.3 miles west of Mendota.

Panoche Creek is important because it drains the largest area of any stream on the east side of the Diablo Range. This means it collects water from a very wide region.

Exploring Panoche Creek's Past

Panoche Creek has a long and interesting history. It was a vital pathway for many different groups of people.

An Ancient Route for Travelers

Long ago, Arroyo de Panoche Grande was part of a key route. It connected Native American settlements on California's central coast. This route led all the way to the San Joaquin Valley. It was also a place where travelers could find water. This was especially true for those using El Camino Viejo. This old road ran through the San Joaquin Valley.

Journeys and Discoveries

Spanish soldiers used Panoche Creek for their expeditions. They explored the region and traveled through the area. Musteneros, who were cowboys specializing in catching wild horses, also followed the creek. They would catch wild horses in the big valley. Then, they would drive them back along this route. Sometimes, they would sell the horses along El Camino Viejo.

Some early settlers also used this route. They came to establish new communities, like Las Juntas in 1810. Later, vaqueros (cowboys) used the creek's path. They moved cattle between the coast and the large valley.

Understanding the Names

Both Panoche Creek and the nearby Panoche Valley are often called the "Big Panoche." This helps to tell them apart from the smaller Little Panoche Creek and its valley.