Pueblo de las Juntas, California facts for kids
Pueblo de las Juntas, also known as La Juntas or Fresno, was once a small community in Fresno County, California. It was located right where two waterways, the San Joaquin River and Fresno Slough, met. This special spot was about 2 miles north of a town called Mendota.
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A Glimpse into Early California History
Pueblo de las Juntas was one of the very first places where people from Spain, known as Spaniards, settled in the San Joaquin Valley. This happened way back in 1810. Imagine, this was long before California became part of the United States!
What's in a Name?
The name las Juntas comes from Spanish and means "the junctions." This name perfectly described the location because it was where the two important waterways, the San Joaquin River and Fresno Slough, joined together.
The other name, Fresno, also comes from Spanish and means "ash tree." This name was given because there were two very large ash trees growing right on the riverbank at this site. These trees were so noticeable that they became a landmark for the area.
An Important Travel Stop
Pueblo de las Juntas was not just a settlement; it was also a key point on important travel routes. It connected the inland areas to the coastal settlements of California.
Routes to the Coast
Travelers could go west from Pueblo de las Juntas along a path next to Panoche Creek. This path led them through Panoche Pass in the Diablo Range mountains. From there, they could reach places like Tres Pinos, and then continue northwest to Mission San Juan Bautista. Eventually, they could travel west all the way to Monterey on the coast.
Part of El Camino Viejo
Pueblo de las Juntas was also located on the eastern route of a famous old road called El Camino Viejo. This was a very important trail that connected many settlements throughout California during the Spanish and Mexican periods. Being on this route meant Pueblo de las Juntas was a busy place for travelers and traders.
