The Zanja (Redlands, California)

 irrigation, interesting place, draw only border, historic landmark

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California Historical Landmark #43.

Most of this historic irrigation ditch has been destroyed by the Flood Control District, turning what was once an enjoyable tree-lined retreat stretching the length of the zanja into concrete-covered inaccessible wasteland.

"Dug in the summer of 1819 by Serrano Indians to bring water to their land in present-day Loma Linda, the Mill Creek Zanja channeled water from nearby Mill Creek through a clever system of hand-made ditches and areas of natural flows. The liquid gold served the San Gabriel Mission outpost near the Indian villages, and all land parcels in between, thus setting the stage for Redlands to eventually become the region's agricultural star.

"Throughout the 1800s, the ditch provided water for agriculture and household needs, and it was used to power a furniture factory and a generator. It was the subject of several lawsuits and was managed by individuals called "zanjeros."

"Portions of the Zanja are lined with stone, probably from the early 1900s.

"By the 1920s, the City of Redlands had bought the water rights from users on the west end of the ditch, and covered over most of that reach. The ditch from Mentone into downtown Redlands, however, continues to exist. In the 1930s, it received No. 43 on the State Historic Landmarks list, and in the 1970s, when the County Flood Control District proposed to channelize the ditch through Redlands, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

"Today, the Zanja carries "nuisance" water and storm water runoff from the east side of Greenspot through the Crafton Groves, past the University of Redlands and Sylvan Park into the downtown, moving through private and public property. It remains in various states of repair and disrepair."

This is just a small portion of the 12 mile long Zanja that move water for irrigation from Mill Creek in Mentone to the native villages in Loma Linda. Portions of it are still visible, and a 4 mile stretch is being reclaimed into a hiking park with signs along the way.

ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21476
Save the Zanja: www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/ci_4813628?source=most_viewe...