Antonio Garra
Antonio Garra was a prominent leader of the Cupeño Indians in Southern California during a tumultuous period marked by the influx of settlers during the Gold Rush. He opposed the expansion of white settlers into California and aimed to unify various Native American tribes—including the Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, Cocopa, Kamia, Luiseño, Mojave, and Quechan—in a revolt against encroachment on their lands. Garra is noted for his belief in a transformative power, claiming he could turn bullets into water, which symbolized his resistance to colonization. His son, also named Antonio Garra, participated alongside him in the Garra Uprising, a significant yet ultimately doomed rebellion. The conflict saw divisions among California tribes, with some, including the Luiseños, choosing to support the settlers instead. The uprising was quashed when Garra was captured by another influential tribal leader who sided with the settlers. Following his capture, Garra was handed over to the California militia, tried, and subsequently hanged. This historical moment reflects broader themes of resistance, alliance, and the complex interactions between Indigenous peoples and settlers during a transformative era in California's history.
Antonio Garra
- Born: c. 1800
- Birthplace: Southern California
- Died: December 1, 1852
- Place of death: Southern California
Category: Chief, shaman
Tribal affiliation: Cupeño
Significance: Leader of the Garra Uprising, Antonio Garra attempted to halt white migration into California
As chief of the Cupeño Indians living in Southern California at the headwaters of the San Louis Rey River, Garra opposed white expansion into California. As migration into the California region of white miners and ranchers as well as of Mexicans and Mormons intensified during the Gold Rush, Garra sought to organize a united Indian revolt. Claiming that he could transform his enemies’ bullets into water, Garra and his Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, Cocopa, Kamia, Luiseño, Mojave, and Quechan supporters raided ranchers and sheepherders. Garra’s son, also named Antonio Garra, fought with his father during the Garra Uprising.
Several other California bands elected to remain neutral, however, and some, including the Luiseños under Manuelito Cota, actively aided whites. The influential Cahuilla, Juan Antonio, was courted by both Indians and whites. Electing to assist white settlers, Antonio captured Garra in 1851, thereby ending the Garra Uprising. Antonio released Garra to the California militia, who convened a court martial that tried and hanged him.