Temecula massacre facts for kids

The Temecula massacre was a sad event that happened in December 1846 near a place called Temecula, California, in the United States. It was a part of the bigger Mexican–American War. During this event, a group of California soldiers and Cahuilla Native Americans attacked and killed about 33 to 40 Luiseño Native Americans. This attack was in response to the Luiseño people killing 11 Californio horsemen in an event known as the Pauma Massacre.

Why the Temecula Massacre Happened

The Temecula massacre was connected to the Mexican–American War. In December 1846, a battle called the Battle of San Pasqual took place. After this battle, a group of Californio horsemen, led by Andrés Pico, needed horses for the war. They asked the Pauma group of Luiseño Native Americans for horses.

However, the Luiseño people killed these 11 Californio horsemen. This event became known as the Pauma Massacre. When General José María Flores in Los Angeles heard about this, he was very upset. He sent José del Carmen Lugo from San Bernardino with soldiers. Their mission was to find and punish the leaders responsible for killing the Californio horsemen.

How the Events Unfolded

As José del Carmen Lugo and his men traveled towards the Temecula Valley, they met Chief Juan Antonio. Chief Antonio was the leader of a group of Cahuilla Native Americans. Chief Antonio and his Cahuilla warriors decided to join Lugo's forces.

The two groups set up camp near the Santa Gertrudis Creek. Lugo was waiting for more soldiers to arrive from Los Angeles. He learned that José Ramón Carrillo and his men were at the Mission San Luis Rey de Francia. Lugo asked Carrillo to bring his men to help. Carrillo and his soldiers then joined Lugo and Chief Antonio.

Word reached the Luiseño village that Californio soldiers were coming. The Luiseño people went east into a canyon and hid there.

The Trap is Set

Lugo sent some of his men to find the hidden Luiseño warriors. His men reported back that the Luiseño were indeed hiding in the canyon. Lugo knew that if his men went into the canyon, they could be trapped. So, he planned a way to trick the Luiseño out of their hiding place.

Just west of the canyon was a small open area with gentle hills on both sides. The Cahuilla warriors took positions on one hill. Lugo placed his own men on the other hill. Carrillo and his men then went into the canyon where the Luiseño were hiding. Carrillo's men pretended to be tired and weak.

Young Luiseño warriors thought this was a chance to attack the Californios. Their chiefs tried to stop them, but the warriors decided to attack Carrillo's men.

The Attack and Aftermath

Carrillo and his men ran out of the canyon into the open area, making the Luiseño warriors chase them. Once the Luiseño warriors were in the open, the Cahuilla and Lugo's men attacked them from both sides. Carrillo's men also turned around and fought. Many Luiseño warriors were killed, and others gave up. A few warriors managed to escape and headed towards Aguanga.

Lugo then handed over the captured Luiseño warriors to the Cahuilla, who were their traditional enemies. Lugo and a few of his men went after the Luiseño who had escaped. When Lugo returned, Chief Antonio had already killed all the prisoners.

The Californios and Cahuilla warriors gathered back at their camp. Another group of soldiers, led by Diego Sepúlveda, arrived and joined Lugo at the campsite. Sepúlveda's men had been delayed.

After the massacre, a group of soldiers called the Mormon Battalion passed through Temecula. They stood guard to prevent more fighting. The Luiseño people were able to gather their dead and bury them together in a common grave.