Portolá Trail Campsites facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Portolá Trail Campsite No. 1 |
|
|---|---|
Portolá Trail Campsite No. 1
|
|
| Location | Elysian Park, Los Angeles |
| Built | 1769 |
| Designated | Sept. 26, 1958 |
| Reference no. | 655 |
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
.jpg)
The Portolá Trail Campsite No. 1 is a special place in Los Angeles, California. It's where the very first Europeans to explore this area camped for a night. This happened on August 2, 1769. The campsite is now recognized as a California Historical Landmark, number 655.
You can find this historic spot inside Elysian Park in Los Angeles. It's near the corner of North Broadway and Elysian Park Drive. The explorers chose this spot because it was close to the Los Angeles River, which gave them fresh water.
Contents
What Was the Portolá Expedition?
The Portolá expedition was a big journey led by a Spanish military officer named Gaspar de Portolá. His goal was to explore and claim new lands for the Spanish Empire. This was part of a larger effort called the Spanish colonization of the Americas.
The expedition started in 1769. It was the first time Europeans traveled through what is now Central Los Angeles. Their journey helped lead to the creation of Alta California. This was the name for the Spanish territory that later became the state of California.
The Journey Through Los Angeles
The explorers arrived at Portolá Trail Campsite No. 1 from the San Gabriel Valley. This is where the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel would be built a few years later. After resting at the campsite, they continued their journey.
They traveled west towards Santa Monica Bay. Along the way, they stopped at another important spot, Portolá Trail Campsite 2. This campsite is now in Beverly Hills and is also a California Historic Landmark. From Santa Monica Bay, the expedition turned north. They continued exploring new areas, marking the way for future Spanish settlements.
Important People on the Journey
The Portolá expedition had several key members. These individuals played important roles in exploring and mapping the new lands. Here are some of the main people who were part of this historic journey:
- Gaspar de Portolá (1723–1786): He was the leader of the entire expedition. He was a Spanish military officer.
- Captain Don Fernando Rivera y Moncada (1725–1781): He was a soldier who helped lead the expedition.
- Lieutenant Don Pedro Fages (1734–1794): Another soldier, he served as a lieutenant under Portolá.
- Sgt. José Francisco Ortega (1734–1798): He was a soldier and an early settler in Alta California.
- Father Juan Crespí (1721–1782): He was a priest who kept a detailed record of the entire expedition. His writings tell us a lot about what they saw and did.
- Father Francisco Gómez: He was also a priest and served as the chaplain for the expedition.
The Historic Marker
A special marker at the Portolá Trail Campsite No. 1 tells its story. It helps people remember this important event in California's history.
The marker reads:
- NO. 655 PORTOLÁ TRAIL CAMPSITE (I) – Spanish colonization of California began in 1769 with the expedition of Don Gaspar de Portolá from Mexico. With Captain Don Fernando Rivera v Moncada, Lieutenant Don Pedro Fages, Sgt. José Francisco Ortega, and Fathers Juan Crespí and Francisco Gómez, he and his party camped near this spot on August 2, 1769, en route to Monterey.
Images for kids
-
Portolá Trail Campsite No. 1
-
Portolá Trail historic plaque on rock in Elysian Park in Los Angeles, near the North Broadway-Buena Vista St. Bridge (CHL 655)
-
Gaspar de Portolá
-
Gaspar de Portolá 1770
