"...the river was the center of existence. They practiced a dry farming method, relying on the regular overflow of the Colorado River to irrigate crops planted along the banks. Preparation was painstaking; trees were felled, brush cleared. After planting, there was constant weeding and watching for pests. They supplemented this with wild seeds and roots, especially mesquite beans, game and fish taken from the river with traps and nets."
— Native Americans pages of the Mojave National Preserve web site
(www.nps.gov/moja/mojahtna.htm)

"The Mojave tribe have long believed in two basic principles: that all knowledge comes from dreams; and that all things belong where they are placed."
— history page of the Avi Casino, Laughlin, NV (www.avicasino.com/history.htm)

Around 10,000 BC, Native Americans carved petroglyphs and painted pictographs, leaving us "rock art" which can still be seen in the Black Mountain Rock Art District, between Superior and Water Valleys, northwest of Barstow [link-11].

Zzyzx Springs, formerly called Soda Springs, was once a sacred place to Native Americans in the Mojave Desert.

The Native Americans called the Mojave Indians lived by the banks of the Colorado River north of Needles, CA for thousands of years. Chronicles of traders and pioneers crossing the East Mojave Desert in the 19th century report the natives as alterrnately friendly and eager to trade, and prone to deadly attacks. Apparently this alternation was influenced by how hostile or deceptive previous parties of Europeans were in their dealings. The Spanish and later the Mexicans traded in native slaves, increasing animosity towards Europeans. By the time California became a US territory in 1848 there was a widespread sentiment to "solve" the Indian "problem" by waging genocidal war -- "Death to the Mojaves!" was the rallying cry. In 1859 the survivors were forcibly placed on reservations.

Reservation life has been grim for Native Americans until the the advent of Indian Casinos. Today "the People of the River"" (the Mojave Tribe) operate the Avi Casino in Laughlin, NV.

You can appreciate native culture, history and art by by visiting the Maturango Museum, Ridgecrest, CA [link-11]. You can also show support for the modern day members of the tribe by visiting the Avi Casino and having a "Mojave Monsoon" at the Arrowweed Lounge [link-11].

Last update 12:48 PM Fri. 27-Feb-2004 by ABS.