In Memory....Never Forget!

This week we are watching our little Granddaughter while her parents are on an Alaska cruise. We are having lots of fun, which will be perfect blog fodder. Today I am sharing this one. We must never forget....The Mussel Slough Tragedy! It's true. It is one of the amazing landmarks in Hanford. A small momument along the side of the road, just after this:

We weren't able to check out the organic tomatoes with so much grief going on, but I trust they are there. I mean, why would you paint a water pumping station if they weren't? But that is another topic I feel brewing.

No, we were on a mission. To teach our little CJ about the horrible tragedy, that happened just down the road, the Mussel Slough Tragedy. What is it? I'm so glad you asked-

Tuesday, May 11, 1880 10:30 AM

Central San Joaquin Valley, California

The Mussel Slough Tragedy is the name given to a gunfight that occurred on May 11, 1880 near the town of Hanford, California in the central San Joaquin valley. The gunfight took place between a large group of lightly armed settlers who were attempting to dissuade a U.S. Marshal from evicting settlers from land owned by the Southern Pacific Railroad and the legal owners of that land who were attempting to take possession of it. The confrontation erupted in gunfire and seven men died as a result. It was the deadliest gunfight in California history and ranks among the top two or three gunfights in American history in terms of the loss of life and many consider it to be the most influential gunfight in American history in terms of its long-term ramifications. The Mussel Slough Country, where the gunfight took place, was named after a local waterway--the Mussel Slough--which was, in turn, named after the freshwater mussels that inhabited its banks. Originally a part of Tulare County, the Mussel Slough Country is now in Kings County--by which appellation it is now known. Prior to the formation of Kings County, the political leaders in the Mussel Slough Country, desiring a more amenable and attractive sounding name to attract settlers and businesses, began calling the area the Lucerne Valley. That name prevailed for awhile but, in general, the historic Mussel Slough/Lucerne Valley area is simply called Kings County today.

Don't you feel so informed? Pretty amazing stuff.

After we visited the site, we went to another famous Hanford site. Not only Hanford, but all of California.

The marker on Cabrillo Way. It is placed of John Rodrigues Cabrillo who founded California! This one is just around the corner from my home , who knew?
I am feeling so inspired! I think there are more Kings County Land Marks....I feel an epiphany coming on!

Smee: I've just had an apostrophe.

Captain Hook: I think you mean an epiphany.

Smee: Lightning... just struck my brain.

Captain Hook: That must've hurt.