Honoring the Past: The History of Twentynine Palms
Part 1 — Indigenous Roots: The Original Inhabitants of Twentynine Palms
Twentynine Palms, known today for its desert landscapes and military base, has a rich history that predates European settlers. This region of Southern California, nestled in the Mojave Desert, was once home to several Indigenous groups, including the Chemehuevi (Nüwü People), Serrano (Maara'yam People), and Cahuilla (Kawiya People) tribes. These Native American communities lived in harmony with the harsh desert environment, drawing sustenance from its limited but vital resources, and their lives centered around one of the most significant landmarks in the area—the Oasis of Mara (Maara').
The Oasis of Mara: A Lifeblood for Indigenous Communities
The Oasis of Mara, a natural spring that fed the surrounding flora and fauna, provided a crucial lifeline for the Indigenous peoples of the region. Located in what is now Twentynine Palms, this oasis sustained not only the local ecosystem but also the human populations that settled nearby. "The Oasis of Mara, known for its palms and fresh water, was a sacred site where Indigenous peoples thrived for generations. It was the focal point of their survival and cultural identity" (McArthur, 2015).
The oasis was first settled by the Serrano who called it Mara, meaning 'the place of little springs and much grass.' Legend holds they came to the oasis because a medicine man told them it was a good place to live and that they would have many boy babies. The medicine man instructed them to plant a palm tree each time a boy was born. In the first year, the Serrano planted 29 palm trees at the oasis.
"Oasis of Mara," National Park Service
The palm trees around the oasis became symbolic not only of life but of resilience and adaptation.
The Chemehuevi: Nomadic Desert Dwellers
The Chemehuevi, part of the Southern Paiute cultural group, were known as adept desert navigators. Their semi-nomadic lifestyle took them across vast distances in search of seasonal food sources, but the Oasis of Mara remained a critical hub for their survival. Chemehuevi oral traditions speak to their long-standing connection to the oasis. "For the Chemehuevi, the Oasis of Mara was a sacred place, a symbol of their enduring relationship with the land. They would return to this sanctuary to gather food, water, and medicinal plants" (Fowler, 1996).
Although primarily hunters and gatherers, the Chemehuevi had a deep knowledge of the desert's flora and fauna, using plants like the mesquite and pinyon pine to supplement their diet. Their spiritual and cultural practices often revolved around the landscape, with the oasis acting as a natural temple. The Chemehuevi were also skilled artisans, producing intricate baskets and pottery, often using resources they found near the oasis.
The Serrano: People of the Mountains and Valleys
The Serrano people, whose name means "mountaineer" or "highlander" in Spanish, originally inhabited the San Bernardino Mountains and surrounding valleys but also frequented the Oasis of Mara. The Serrano's proximity to the oasis allowed them to trade with other Indigenous groups and expand their influence in the region. "The Serrano used the oasis as a seasonal settlement, exploiting its water and plant resources to sustain their communities during dry periods" (Bean & Smith, 1978).
The Serrano had a more settled lifestyle than the Chemehuevi, practicing some horticulture in addition to hunting and gathering. Their villages, often located near rivers or springs, would move seasonally to access better resources. The oasis became a crucial stop during these migrations, providing both sustenance and a place for ceremonial gatherings.
The Serrano also believed in the spiritual power of the land. They held ceremonies at the oasis, honoring the spirits they believed lived in the water and surrounding landscape. The palm trees were seen as guardians of the oasis, standing tall and resilient, much like the people who depended on them.
The Cahuilla: Masterful Desert Engineers
The Cahuilla tribe, whose traditional lands spanned across what is now Riverside, San Bernardino, and Imperial Counties, were known for their agricultural expertise. Unlike the Chemehuevi and Serrano, who largely subsisted on hunting and gathering, the Cahuilla cultivated crops like corn, beans, and squash, often near natural water sources like the Oasis of Mara. "The Cahuilla were innovative in their use of desert irrigation techniques, creating small-scale farms that capitalized on the oasis's water supply" (Bean, 1972).
In addition to farming, the Cahuilla also collected acorns and mesquite pods, staples of their diet. They established trade networks with other tribes, exchanging goods like food, baskets, and pottery, some of which originated near the oasis. "The Cahuilla were not just survivors of the desert—they thrived by developing complex social structures and trade systems that were the envy of their neighbors" (Strong, 1929).
Their relationship with the land was deeply spiritual, and like the Chemehuevi and Serrano, the Cahuilla saw the Oasis of Mara as a sacred site. Their oral histories often speak of the oasis as a gift from the gods, a place where the tribe could find refuge during times of drought and hardship.
Cultural and Environmental Impact of Indigenous Presence
The Indigenous groups that lived around the Oasis of Mara developed a sophisticated understanding of the desert ecosystem. They knew when and where to hunt, gather, and plant, and they used fire as a tool to manage the land, encouraging new growth of plants like the mesquite. Their sustainable practices allowed them to live in harmony with the desert environment for centuries before European settlers arrived.
These tribes also had complex social and trade networks that extended far beyond Twentynine Palms. The oasis served as a central hub in these networks, a place where different groups could come together to trade goods, share stories, and perform rituals. "The Oasis of Mara was more than just a place of water—it was a cultural crossroads where various tribes interacted and maintained peace through trade and shared ceremonies" (Earle, 2004).
Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience
The history of Twentynine Palms is deeply rooted in the lives of the Indigenous peoples who inhabited the land long before European settlers arrived. The Chemehuevi, Serrano, and Cahuilla tribes each played a role in shaping the region's cultural and environmental landscape. Their deep connection to the Oasis of Mara is a testament to their resilience and adaptability, qualities that continue to inspire today.
As we honor the past, it is crucial to remember the contributions and stories of these Indigenous peoples, whose knowledge of the land sustained them for generations. The oasis remains not just a geographical feature but a symbol of life, culture, and survival in one of the most challenging environments on Earth.
Bean, Lowell John. Mukat's People: The Cahuilla Indians of Southern California. University of California Press, 1972.
Bean, Lowell John, and Charles R. Smith. Serrano Indians. Handbook of North American Indians, Vol. 8, California. Smithsonian Institution, 1978.
Earle, David D. Native Americans of the California Desert: The Indigenous Communities of the Mojave Desert Region. San Bernardino County Museum, 2004.
Fowler, Catherine S. The Chemehuevi. University of Utah Press, 1996.
McArthur, Isabel. "The Oasis of Mara: A Sacred Space in the Desert." Journal of Desert Archaeology, vol. 22, no. 3, 2015, pp.145-167.
National Park Service. "Oasis of Mara." Joshua Tree National Park, U.S. Department of the Interior, https://www.nps.gov/jotr/learn/historyculture/mara.htm.
Strong, William Duncan. Aboriginal Society in Southern California. University of California Press, 1929.