Costanoan

History of Santa Clara Mission

The eighth Franciscan mission established in California. The site first chosen was near Guadalupe River, not far from the head of San Francisco bay, and about 3 miles from its present position. This site was called Thamien by the natives. Here the mission was founded, Jan. 12, 1777, and dedicated to Santa Clara de Asis. Cattle and supplies arrived from Monterey and San Francisco, and work on the buildings was immediately begun. The Indians were at first friendly, but soon began to steal cattle, and did not entirely desist even after 3 were killed and several flogged. By the end … Read more

Costanoan Indians

The Costanoan Indians, derived from the Spanish term “Costanos” meaning “coast people,” were a group within the Penutian linguistic stock. They inhabited the coastal region between San Francisco Bay and Point Sur, extending inland to the Mount Diablo Range. The Costanoans were divided into several subdivisions, including the Monterey, Saclan, San Francisco, San Juan Bautista, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Soledad groups, each occupying distinct territories. Their villages, such as Ahala-n, Altah-mo, and Aulin-tak, were spread throughout these regions. Historically, the Costanoan population was estimated to be around 7,000 in 1770, but by the early 20th century, only a few mixed-blood descendants remained, with the 1910 census recording just 10 individuals and none in 1930.

Costanoan Family Indian Bands, Gens and Clans

Many tribes have sub-tribes, bands, gens, clans and phratry.  Often very little information is known or they no longer exist.  We have included them here to provide more information about the tribes. Chalone. A division of the Costanoan family of California which resided E. of Soledad mission, with which they were connected. Chalone villages are mentioned as follows: Aspasniagan, Chulare, Ekgiagan, Eslanagan, Goatcharones, Ichenta, and Yumanagan. Eslanagan, how ever, may be Esselen; the Goatcharones are undoubtedly the Wacharones of San Juan Bautista, and the Yumanagan are probably the Ymunacam of San Carlos mission, who are also ascribed to the Kalindaruk … Read more