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The Amigos de Anza arrived at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley in Danville at 2 p.m. Sunday via the Iron Horse Trail, watched by excited history enthusiasts.
Los Amigos are equestrians who provide re-enactments of the famous Spanish DeAnza expedition that came from Mexico to the Bay Area in 1776. They dress the part and work to promote knowledge about California’s Spanish colonial period and the Anza Trail.
Led by Juan Bautista de Anza, the original expedition included the first colonist, who were soldiers and their families and Franciscan missionary Pedro Font. They founded the San Francisco Presidio and Mission Dolores. The National Park Service has a national trail, called the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, which begins in Mexico, comes through Contra Costa County and skirts the delta and strait.
The visit by Los Amigos de Anza is one of several special events being held in conjunction with the Museum’s current exhibit “The Sword and the Cross.” This display examines the clashes and interaction between the Spanish and the Indians in the San Ramon Valley during the period of 1769-1850. It runs through May 5.
The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located in the restored train depot at 205 Railroad Ave. in Danville. Hours are 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. There is no charge for admission but donations are encouraged.
