Agua Caliente Tribe Thu, October 15, 2020 History Add to trip Remove from trip History & Culture – Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Centuries ago, ancestors of the Agua Caliente Cahuila (pronounced Kaw-we-ah) Indians settled in the Palm Springs area and developed extensive and complex communities in Palm, Murray, Tahquitz and Chino Canyons. Many traces of these communities exist in the the canyons today including rock art, house pits and foundations, reservoirs, trails, and food processing areas. Archaeological research has discovered that the Cahuilla have occupied Tahquitz Canyon for at least 5,000 years. The Cahuilla Indian name for Palm Springs area was Sec-he (boiling water); the Spanish who arrived named it Agua Ca- liente (hot water). And then cam the name “Palm Springs” in reference to both the native Washigtonia filifera palm tree and Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Springs. The first bathhouse at the hot springs, circa 1910. Photo credit: Palm Springs Historical Society. In 1876, the U.S. Federal Government deeded in trust to the Agua Caliente people 32,000 acres for their homeland. At the same time, they gave the So. California Railroad ten miles of odd sections of land to induce them to build the railroad. Of the reservation’s 32,000 acres, some 6,700 lie within the Palm Springs city limits. The remaining sections fan out across the desert and mountains in a checkerboard pattern. Arrival of the Sunset Limited at Palm Springs, 1940. As early as the 1890’s, Palm Springs and the surrounding area have been described as a recreation oasis. Tahquitz Canyon and three southern canyons are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Palm Canyon, part of Indian Canyons, is considered the world’s largest California Fan Palm Oasis. The Aqua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians remains actively involved with the City of Palm Springs. Learn more and experience the Agua Caliente Cahuilla Indians Take a ranger-led tour and maze through the ancient palm groves, and explore the streams and water- falls at Indian Canyons or Tahquitz Canyon. Learn about the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians through exhibitions, collections, research, and educational programs at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum in downtown Palm Springs. This sits on the original site of the sacred hot springs. (Opening early 2023) Attend the annual Native Film Festival in March starring Native Americans and other indigenous people. Details will be posted at www.aguacaliente.org. Gaming and entertainment daily at the Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs. Golf at the two signature courses at the Indian Canyons Golf Resort. Note: Title image from Edward S. Curtis collection. More From History View All Posts Agua Caliente Tribe: A Brief History The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is a federally recognized tribe of the Cahuilla… Read More How Walt Disney Enchanted Palm Springs The Wonderful World of Palm Springs By Randy Garner In 1938, Walt Disney came for… Read More Exploring Palm Springs on Horseback Unleash Your Inner Equestrian at Smoke Tree Stables While there are numerous ways to experience… Read More