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The
mild climate and abundant food supply were fundamental reasons for
the dense Indian population in California. Three tribes once populated
what is now Contra Costa County. The Coastanoan (now
referred to as Ohlone) lived in the western portion of the county,
the Northern Valley Yokuts the eastern portion, and
the River Miwok the central portion near Mt. Diablo
and the San Joaquin River. Contra Costa's Indian population was once
estimated to be 57,000.
White settlers had various names for the groups of Indians they encountered. One large tribe, known as Bolbones, dwelt in Mt. Diablo's caves and ledges and along creeks. John Marsh, the first American settler in the area, encountered a group he called Pulpunes. The Pulpunes lived on his rancho and in the valleys of the southeastern portion of East County. Numerous caves which are found near present day Vasco Road were once used by the Pulpunes for shelter. The Indian population lived as hunters and gatherers and were able to survive off the land. They hunted deer and small animals and fished in rivers and streams. They also collected acorns from oak trees, which they ground into meal using mortars and pestles. Much is not known of the local Indian lifestyle, and written records only convey the white-settlers perceptions of them. However, Indian grinding stones remain in the vicinity of Mt. Diablo and Marsh Creek, and archaeologists have excavated nearly 2,000 skeletons (dated 2000 BC to 1750 BC) from a burial site known as the Hotchkiss Mound near Bethel Island, where it is believed that Indians used to fish. Links: Indian Grinding Rock Historical State Park (Miwoks)
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