Today In SCV History: October 7, 1849 - Jayhawker Party Begins Journey Toward Santa Clarita Valley Today In SCV History: October 7, 1849
Today In SCV History: October 7, 1849 - Jayhawker Party Begins Journey Toward Santa Clarita Valley
Today In SCV History: October 7, 1849
Source: KHTS Hometown Station
Date: 10/07/2026 10:30am
Article Summary:
**1849 Encounter With Jayhawkers Sets Bennett-Arcan Party on Perilous Journey to Santa Clarita Valley**
On Oct. 7, 1849, the Bennett-Arcan wagon party met the Jayhawkers while both groups traveled west during the Gold Rush; the Jayhawkers rejected a proposed shortcut, while the Bennett-Arcan group became stranded in the desert. Two members, William Lewis Manly and John Rogers, trekked to the Santa Clara River Valley for help, eventually enabling a rescue and contributing to the story behind Death Valley’s name.
Read article here »
Date: 10/07/2026 10:30am
Article Summary:
**1849 Encounter With Jayhawkers Sets Bennett-Arcan Party on Perilous Journey to Santa Clarita Valley**
On Oct. 7, 1849, the Bennett-Arcan wagon party met the Jayhawkers while both groups traveled west during the Gold Rush; the Jayhawkers rejected a proposed shortcut, while the Bennett-Arcan group became stranded in the desert. Two members, William Lewis Manly and John Rogers, trekked to the Santa Clara River Valley for help, eventually enabling a rescue and contributing to the story behind Death Valley’s name.
Read article here »