Garden of the Sun: A History of the San Joaquin Valley, 1772-1939

by Wallace Smith, William B Secrest (Editor)

Overview

This comprehensive history of the San Joaquin Valley begins with a study of the indigenous Native American tribes of the area and their interactions with one another. It then explores the occupation by the Spanish, the trapping industry, the arrival of settlers from the eastern United States, and the formation of expansive cattle ranches. The development of agriculture and irrigation and the subsequent battles over land and water rights are addressed. Also discussed is the grand era of the railroad, which would forever change the valley, bringing light industry and modern agricultural practices.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780941936774
Publisher:	Linden Publishing
Publication date:	02/01/2004
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	860
Sales rank:	1,129,056
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 2.00(d)

About the Author

Wallace Smith was a professor at Fresno State College and a leading authority on the history of the San Joaquin Valley.

Table of Contents

	Preface	viii
	Editor's Note	xiii
1	Redskins	1
2	Palefaces	35
3	Mission Sites and Neophytes	49
4	Buckskin Shirts and Beaver Traps	85
5	The First Settling	115
6	Braided Riata versus Surveyor's Chain	161
7	Helldorado	173
8	Bullets, Ballots and Tongue Lashings	199
9	Knights of the Whip	235
10	Home on the Range	279
11	The Iron Horse	325
12	Staff of Life	347
13	The Mussel Slough Fight	399
14	Prodigal Sons	443
15	Smokestacks and Pavements	493
16	Races, Religions and Realtors	551
17	Spillways and Headgates	615
18	Cabbages and Kings	657
19	Black Gold	695
20	United We Stand	715
Appendix 1	Indian Tribes	747
Appendix 2	Mexican Land Grants	749
Appendix 3	Folk Poems of the San Joaquin	751
Appendix 4	So-Called German Syndicate	755
	Appendix 5	757
	Notes	763
	Essay on Authorities	797
	Index	823

Editorial Reviews

"A treasure of regional lore. . . . Smith explores his subject from every angle. Garden of the Sun maintains a lively pace laced with plenty of humor. A fine, fascinating resource . . . and nothing short of sparkling."

The News Review

"A treasure of regional lore. . . . Smith explores his subject from every angle. "Garden of the Sun" maintains a lively pace laced with plenty of humor. A fine, fascinating resource . . . and nothing short of sparkling." —"The News Review "(October 19, 2011)

From the Publisher