Along the California Trail: Our State’s Pioneers with Jay Cravath

An ancient set of Indigenous paths and the natural flow of the Gila River created a major artery for travel through pioneer Arizona. The Gila provided a ready route for the earliest traders, including Toltecs of Mexico, who traded with the Mogollon, Anasazi and Hohokam. The intrepid Padre Francisco Garces, performed missionary work during six excursions along the trail. As well, Bautista de Anza and Marcos de Niza passed by. Various U.S. surveying expeditions, immigrants—such as the ill-fated Oatman family—and seekers of the California gold fields join the list. The journals, stories, songs and art that came from these travels is rich and revealing of our state’s pioneers. Using visuals, live music and recitation, Dr. Craváth shares the diverse history.

This event is cohosted by Arizona Archaeological Society-Desert Foothills Chapter. This is an in-person event.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

Jay Craváth is a composer, writer and scholar in the field of music, humanities and Indigenous studies. Dr. Craváth has been on the Arizona Humanities Speakers Bureau since 1992. With a Ph.D. in humanities education, he enjoys crafting programs from these interests into discussions that include stories, musical performance and media. Dr. Craváth’s goal is to create engaging learning experiences—“scholarship with a zing!” His latest album of original music is entitled “Songs for Ancient Days.” You can hear his band, Dr J and the Botanicals, on his website www.jaycravath.com and around Arizona. His website also holds original documentaries, poetry, essays, and a novel, being serialized: The Wisdom of Blood.