Ponponio Lupugeyun facts for kids

Ponponio, also known as Pomponio and Lupegeyun (around 1799 – 1824), was a Native American leader in California. He led a group of people called Los Insurgentes. They stood up against Mexican rule and the mission system in California.

Ponponio and his group carried out raids on settlements. These raids happened in the early 1800s. They took place in areas that are now Sonoma and Soledad. Places like Pomponio State Beach, Pomponio Creek, and the Pomponio Trail are named after him.

Who Was Ponponio?

Ponponio was born around 1799. His native name was Lupegeyun. He belonged to the Coast Miwok people. They lived in the area of what is now Bolinas, California. His parents were Francisco and Antonina.

In 1803, he was baptized at the Mission San Francisco de Asís in San Francisco. He was given the Spanish name "Ponponio." Mission records show he was about four years old then. Some historians later spelled his name "Pomponio."

There are also stories that Ponponio was a brave leader of the Southern Pomo tribe. Another story says he was from the Ohlone people. However, these stories do not have strong proof from old records. He might have worked at the Mission San Rafael Arcángel as an alcade, which was like a local official.

Ponponio's Fight for Freedom

Ponponio left the mission around 1818. He then started leading raids against ranches and missions. These actions were part of his fight against the mission system. By the summer of 1823, his main camp was in San Mateo County.

A cave near Pomponio Creek was once called "Ponponio's Cave." People believed this was his headquarters. Many stories about Ponponio come from old tales. Some of these stories might not be fully true.

One famous story tells of a man named Gonzalo. He was one of Ponponio's followers. Gonzalo was captured and put in chains. The story says he cut off his own heels to escape. This shows how desperate some people were to be free.

Ponponio led raids far from his home area. He traveled to places like Pescadero and San Gregorio Creeks. His actions made him a well-known figure. He was a symbol of resistance for many Native Americans.

Capture and Legacy

Ponponio was captured by soldiers near San Rafael. He was then taken to Monterey for a trial. A military court found him guilty. He was shot on February 6, 1824. The mission records confirm his death. They state he was executed by order of a war council.

Ponponio's story is important. It shows the struggles of Native Americans during the mission era. He became a symbol of resistance against the Spanish and Mexican rule. His name lives on in the places named after him in California.