Cupeños’ Trail of Tears to Pala took place in 1903

On May 12, 1903, the Cupeño Indians were uprooted from their ancestral homes near what is now known as Warner Springs and marched three days 40 miles west to the Pala reservation, under orders of President Rutherford Hayes and the U.S. Supreme Court. Bureau of Indian Affairs agent James Jenkins and 44 armed teamsters carried out the eviction.

The Agua Caliente Cupeño became part of the Pala Band of Mission Indians. But 120 years later they continue to mourn the loss.

From the Evening Tribune, Tuesday May 12, 1903: some shacks.

The runner was informed that the parting, though sad, many of the women and children being almost heart broken, was tranquil. He was also informed that Attorney Brown arrived there from his 108 mile ride from San Bernardino yesterday afternoon and that thereupon a council was held between the Indians and the representatives of the government. The most strenuous complaint, which the Indians put forth was that of the poor land at Pala. The understanding is that in an effort to pacify them that the commissioners promised them that upon arriving there and they should not be satisfied with the land that steps would be take immediately to buy more.

It was said that up to last night Capt. Mooat was the only Indian who was for staying on the old home, or rather was opposed to going to Pala. But Capt. Mooat appears to have changed his mind during the night.

The Tribune’s runner met two of the Indian wagons returning from the Valle del San Jose section of the ranch, empty and was informed by the rivers that a few Indians there had decided not to accompany the others to Pala and that they would probably take up their abode at Santa Ysabel. of the