Annexation and Statehood

Palm Springs stagecoach station as sketched by Carl Eytel

Courtesy of the Braun Research Library, Autry National Center of the American West, Los Angeles; Photo #EYTEL.79.390

1830s

Jose Lebacho and other Cahuilla Indians construct irrigation ditches in the area now known as Palm Springs to water crops and orchards.

1848

The United States wins the Mexican-American War, annexing half of Mexico’s territory, including California. A stage line is established through Cahuilla territory. Settlers begin to occupy the region.

1850

California becomes a State.

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