Serrano

Serrano Tribe

The Serrano Indians, a Shoshonean division, inhabited areas around the San Bernardino Mountains and down the Mohave River in Southern California. Described by Fray Francisco Garcés in the 18th century, they lived in communal houses and engaged in extensive trade, particularly with coastal tribes. Typically medium in stature, the Serrano men often went naked while women wore deerskin. Their livelihood relied on wild game and acorns. By 1885, 390 Serranos were associated with Mission agencies, although they are no longer distinctly counted.

Condition of the Mission Indians of California in 1890

In 1890, the Mission Indians of California, numbering 2,645, resided mostly in the reservations of San Diego and Los Angeles, covering 182,315 acres. Their lifestyle was characterized by traditional customs and a mix of Spanish influence, leading to diverse cultural practices. The Digger Indians, primarily subsisting on foraged foods, lacked agriculture and faced significant legal and social challenges, including the threat of land dispossession by white settlers. Despite their historical misfortunes, some attempts at integration and government support emerged, culminating in the Mission Indian bill of 1891.

Serrano Indians

The Serrano Indians, meaning “mountaineers” in Spanish, were known by various names across different tribes and regions. They belonged to the Shoshonean Division of the Uto-Aztecan linguistic stock and inhabited areas in the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains, extending into fertile lowlands. Their villages were scattered across several locations, including near Bear Lake and Morongo Creek. Historically, their population was estimated at around 1,500, but by 1910, it had dwindled to 118.