Media Kumeyaay Petroglyph Kumeyaay Petroglyph Jacale California Indian Luiseno Elders Hut Map Map Bird Dance Song - Mojave

Two centuries would pass before they would meet another group of strangers. The first of four Spanish colonizing expeditions arrived on April 11, 1769 when the ship the San Antonio commanded by Juan Perez anchored in the bay. That same day, as remembered by Kumeyaay elders but not noted by the Spaniards, an earthquake shook the mountains and the sun was partially eclipsed, ominous signs, perhaps, that the world as they knew it was about to pass away.

The native peoples of San Diego affected who we are today. They contributed their culture and labor to build the first Spanish speaking society in San Diego. At the same time we recognize their independence as a people who were never completely conquered or assimilated by the Spanish and Mexican soldiers and settlers.