As I planned my hike for Spring 2003, I researched some of the areas I'd be hiking through. 

The Pacific Crest Trail in Southern California shares its tread with Indian trails a thousand years old; with Anza's conquest of California in 1775; with wagon trains traveling through mining camps during the Gold Rush.  

There's a wild lot of history along this trail, and I'm just scratching the surface. The links below are a decent introduction to some of the points of interest...

California Gold Rush

The Butterfield Stage

Juan Bautista de Anza

Lucky Baldwin

California's Indians

The Cahuilla Indians

Indians at Warner Springs