Pedro Fages first came to California in 1769, arriving in San Diego Bay as part of an advance party of Gaspar de Portola's famous expedition. He became Military Governor of Alta California, 1770-1774 and 1782-1791.
Fages led an expedition along the edge of the western Mojave along the northern foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains looking for deserters from the Spanish Army. He entered by way of the Cajon Pass and continued through to Lake Elizabeth.
Fages was industrious, energetic, a rugged frontiersman and explorer. He was skilful as a hunter and a dashing horseman. Fond of children, they would crowd round him and rarely failed to find his pockets stored with dulces (sweets). He was of fair education and executive abilities; hot-tempered and inclined to storm over trifles, always ready to quarrel with anybody from his wife to the padre presidente. He was kind-hearted and thoroughly devoted to royal service attending to every petty detail of his official duty along with his house, his horse, and above all his garden in Monterey
Related photo tours:
Cajon Pass
Antelope Valley
San Gabriel Mountains (Angeles National Forest).
Lake Elizabeth
Also see - Fr. Francisco Garces
