Temecula Massacre of 1847

 place with historical importance, historical layer / disappeared object

 Upload a photo

In January 1847 the deadliest battle of the Mexican-American War in California occurred east of present day Temecula. This event was the direct result of a series of events starting with the Battle of San Pasqual (outside Escondido) where local Californios, led by Andres Pico, defeated the forces of General Stephen W. Kearny.

Following this battle 11 Californios went to a rancho located in Pauma Valley. Several Luiseno Indians captured the Californios and later killed them all. No one knows for sure why the Luiseno Indians killed the Californios but different accounts state they were sympathetic to the Americans, they were righting the past wrongs at the hands of the Californios, or the Californios had stolen horses from the Luisenos.

Mexican General Jose Maria Flores ordered Don Jose del Carmen Lugo of San Bernardino to find and put to death the guilty Indians. Don Jose del Carmen Lugo with 22 men was joined by Don Ramon Carrillo of San Luis Rey and his 10 men. Understanding that there were not enough Californios to confront the Lusieno Indians, Jose del Carmen Lugo enlisted the help of Juan Antonio, leader of the Cahuilla Indians, and 50 of his men.

Source:
oldtowntemeculatours.wordpress.com/temecula-history/the...