Lands Divided

Palm Springs area as depicted on a federal land survey map published in 1856

1852

The Treaty of Temecula is drawn between the United States government and Cahuilla leaders setting aside lands for the occupation of Cahuilla, Luiseño, and Serrano Indian tribes. Unbeknownst to the Indians, the treaty is never ratified.

1853

The area now known as the Coachella Valley is surveyed and platted as government surveyors search for appropriate routes for a transcontinental railroad. The survey report describes an encounter with Cahuilla people at the Agua Caliente Hot Spring.

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