Indian Tribes and Mission San Jose
The Mission San Jose, located in Fremont, California, was established in 1797. It was one of the 21 Spanish missions built in California to convert Native Americans to Christianity. The construction of this mission was made possible with the help of various Indian tribes who provided labor and resources. These tribes had their own unique cultures, traditions, and languages, and they played a significant role in the history of Mission San Jose.
The Ohlone Tribe of Mission San Jose
The Ohlone Tribe, also known as the Costanoan, was one of the largest Native American groups in the San Francisco Bay Area. They were the first Indian tribe to assist in the construction of Mission San Jose. The Ohlone people helped in the building of the adobe structures, the irrigation system, and the gardens. They also provided labor for the daily operations of the mission. However, the forced labor and conversion tactics used by the Spanish caused tension between the Ohlone people and the Franciscan missionaries.
The Esselen Tribe of Mission San Jose
The Esselen Tribe was a small Native American group that lived in the Big Sur area of central California. They were forcibly relocated to Mission San Jose in the early 1800s. The Esselen people provided labor for the construction of the mission buildings and worked in the fields. However, many of them died from disease and overwork, and their culture and language were almost entirely lost.
The Miwok Tribe of Mission San Jose
The Miwok Tribe was a group of Native Americans who lived in central California. They assisted in the construction of Mission San Jose by providing labor for the construction of the adobe buildings and the irrigation system. They also worked in the fields and gardens, and some Miwok people became skilled artisans and craftsmen.
The Yokuts Tribe of Mission San Jose
The Yokuts Tribe was a group of Native Americans who lived in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. They provided labor for the construction of the mission buildings and worked in the fields. They also traded with the mission and provided the mission with valuable resources, such as acorns and tule reeds.
The Maidu Tribe of Mission San Jose
The Maidu Tribe was a group of Native Americans who lived in the Sierra Nevada foothills of central California. They provided labor for the construction of the mission buildings and worked in the fields. They also helped to maintain the mission’s livestock and provided the mission with valuable resources, such as pine nuts and wild game.
The Pomo Tribe of Mission San Jose
The Pomo Tribe was a group of Native Americans who lived in northern California. They provided labor for the construction of the mission buildings and worked in the fields. They also traded with the mission and provided the mission with valuable resources, such as fish and shellfish.
The Wappo Tribe of Mission San Jose
The Wappo Tribe was a group of Native Americans who lived in the Napa Valley of northern California. They provided labor for the construction of the mission buildings and worked in the fields. They also traded with the mission and provided the mission with valuable resources, such as acorns and wild berries.
The Patwin Tribe of Mission San Jose
The Patwin Tribe was a group of Native Americans who lived in the Sacramento Valley of central California. They provided labor for the construction of the mission buildings and worked in the fields. They also traded with the mission and provided the mission with valuable resources, such as seeds and nuts.
The Yuki Tribe of Mission San Jose
The Yuki Tribe was a group of Native Americans who lived in the northwestern part of California. They provided labor for the construction of the mission buildings and worked in the fields. They also traded with the mission and provided the mission with valuable resources, such as deer hides and bear grass.
The Serrano Tribe of Mission San Jose
The Serrano Tribe was a group of Native Americans who lived in the San Bernardino Mountains of southern California. They provided labor for the construction of the mission buildings and worked in the fields. They also traded with the mission and provided the mission with valuable resources, such as pine nuts and acorns.
Conclusion: Indian Contributions to Mission San Jose
The construction and operation of Mission San Jose would not have been possible without the assistance of various Indian tribes. These tribes provided labor, resources, and knowledge that were essential to the success of the mission. However, the forced labor and conversion tactics used by the Spanish had a devastating impact on the Native American communities. It is important to recognize and honor the contributions of these Indian tribes while also acknowledging the harm that was done to them.
