A Very Brief History of Eagle Rock

It is believed that early day Native American Tongva living in the area and coming upon this distinctive sandstone rock formation, very fittingly bestowed the title of the "Eagle Rock," which in actual fact does bear a striking resemblance to the head and wings of an eagle in flight.

The Eagle Rock is a huge "conglomerate" or "puddingstone". Twelve million years ago there were hot springs just north of the rock. Lime from the springs cemented thousands of field stones and boulders together to form this one great rock. Near the top of the rock, erosion has formed an overhang which when viewed around the noon hour casts the shadow of a spread eagle.

A village of Tongva, called  "Gabrielinos" by the Spanish missionaries, occupied the little valley at the base of the Eagle Rock, attracted there by abundant supply of water. The village consisted of thatched dwellings, a sweat house, and a ceremonial enclosure.

The area was discovered by the Spanish explorer Portola in 1770. Near the rock's base the Tongva  smoked the pipe of peace with Portola's party, using native wild tobacco which still grows here.

In 1870, the Eagle Rock caves were inhabited by the Mexican bandit Vasquez, and at one time were used by a whole band of desperadoes to hide their loot. Legend has it that some of the treasure is still buried in this area, concealed from seekers.

Comments

[EL CHAVO!]

I'd never heard of T. Vasquez hanging out in Eagle Rock, I think that's just a rumor. He was known to hang out at the rocks near Santa Clarita, now known by his name, Vasquez Rocks. They're quite nice and worth a day trip.

[CJ, Broker in NELA, CA]

El Chavo's comment sent me off on a search to verify my sources. This article from California Territorial Quarterly seems to be the most authoritative .... but it is inconclusive:
http://www.californiahistory.com/sample.html

Here's the quote ... it's about half way through the article:

"Next day Vasquez and his gang left Greek George's, crossed into the San Fernando Valley and rode northeastward under the spurs of the Verdugo Hills. That night they camped at the foot of "Pietra Gordo" - literally "Fat Rock" described by Vasquez as being "at the head of the Arroyo Seco." Some historians assume that Pietra Gordo is Eagle Rock, which certainly fits the description of "Fat Rock" but is not at the head of the Arroyo Seco, being some two miles southwest of the spot where the broad wash emits from the San Gabriel Mountains..."