Tajiguas, California facts for kids
Tajiguas is a special place on the Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County, California. Long ago, it was a village where Native American people called the Chumash people lived.
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Exploring Tajiguas: A Chumash Village
Where Was Tajiguas Located?
The village of Tajiguas was right on the Pacific Ocean coast. Today, this spot is known as Tajiguas Beach. It is about two miles west of Refugio State Beach. The name Tajiguas likely means 'the basket'.
Life in the Village
Historians believe Tajiguas was a busy place. It had many homes, possibly 42 houses on one side of a creek and 37 on the other. A creek ran through the settlement, dividing it. Between 400 and 800 people lived there.
Why Did the Village Move?
In August 1769, explorers visited Tajiguas. Six years later, around 1775, the village was found empty. The people of Tajiguas likely moved because of challenges or conflicts. They are thought to have moved slightly east to other coastal villages. These villages were called Qasil and Shishuchi'i.
