MILEPOSTS #1053

By Ken Brafman, Image from ROWHS

TITLE: THE ARROWHEAD: BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER – PART II: The ‘Arrowhead’ on the southern face of the San Bernardino Mountains has been a symbol to the Native Americans for many centuries, and an icon to settlers who came since. Last week we started discussing some legends of the Arrowhead. One story involves Brigham Young, who sent two elders to look for a place of retreat, a rest stop for weary travelers from Europe and Australia who were on their way to the promised land in Utah. He told the elders of a vision he’d had of an arrowhead on the side of the mountain, pointing to a large and fertile valley. When a weary emigrant party was ready to turn back an angel appeared and told them not to lose faith. The next day, after passing down through the present-day Cajon Pass, they started to notice the rich soil. Looking up, they beheld a huge arrowhead pointing their way to the fertile valley below. Another legend has its origins with the native tribes that lived near the hot springs at the base of the mountain. An example is this week’s image. A Guachama chief had a very beautiful daughter. Two braves, who were once friends, fell in love with her and bickered constantly. The chief wanted to put an end to this discord and ordered that there be a duel in two weeks’ time to allow each brave to fill their quivers with arrows. When it was time for the duel each brave pulled an arrow from their quiver and shot it. One arrow pierced the other brave’s heart, killing him instantly. With profound remorse the other brave ran to his old friend and pulled out the arrow, dripping with blood, and with an anguished scream shot it into the air with superhuman force. The arrowhead landed and dug into the mountainside, where it eventually grew into the figure we see today. Next week we’ll finish the legends of the Arrowhead.

Share this: