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Juan Batista de Anza was a man who wore many hats. He was part of the Spanish Empire, serving Spain in many ways. As a military officer, he led two extensive expeditions that explored much of California in the late 1700s.
He also fought against Native Americans on behalf of the Spanish government. For this, he is considered a hero as well as a villain by some.
De Anza was also a politician in California and New Mexico when they were under the control of the Spanish Empire.
His first exploratory expedition in California began on Jan. 8, 1774. He started out from a location near present-day Tucson, Arizona. Along with him came three padres, 20 soldiers, 11 servants, 35 mules, 65 cattle and 140 horses.
After 74 days, he reached the area of present-day Los Angeles. This is as far as he went on this trip. He then returned to the Tucson area, which only took 23 days.
His second trip was a much more substantial endeavor. It began on Oct. 22, 1775, from Tubac, Arizona. This trip included 240 friars, soldiers and colonists, 696 horses and mules, and 385 Texas Longhorn bulls and cows. From this began the cattle and horse industry in California.
Arriving at San Francisco Bay on March 28, 1776, he camped on the Peninsula near San Mateo Creek, where a marker commemorates the campsite.
De Anza established two important landmarks from this Peninsula encampment: The Presidio of San Francisco and Mission San Francisco de Asis, commonly called Mission Delores.
His pioneering travel efforts resulted in what became the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail in Arizona and California.
Numerous streets, parks, schools and other places also carry his name. His legacy has stood for over two centuries and will endure…
Everything else is just history
Some of the photos used in this blog are courtesy of the Local History Room, Redwood City's best-kept secret. The Local History Collection covers all aspects of Redwood City's development, from the 1850s to the present day, with particular emphasis on businesses, public schools, civic organizations, city agencies, and early family histories. The Local History Room is not affiliated with the Redwood City Public Library, but it is inside it.
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