"Two centuries ago, just across the river from Yuma, the exceptionally friendly relations between Spain and the Quechan nurtured by the tribal leader Salvador Palma and characterized by mutual respect and reciprocity, came to an abrupt end.

The breakdown resulted in the most significant defeat suffered by Spain in this frontier, not only because of the death or capture of almost 200 subjects, but mainly because with their victory the tribe effectively closed the overland route between New Spain and California.

The Quechan unfortunately did not write history and because of their traditional silence concerning the dead, even the memory of Chief Palma has been lost.

So what is popularly known OF Spanish-Quechan relations boils down to a chapter whose very name, the Yuma Massacre, emphasizes the loss of life suffered by the defeated instead of the heroism of those who rose against oppression.

Led instead by an inexperienced lieutenant, the newcomers completely changed the Quechan way of life and in less than six months destroyed the friendship developed over six years. Enslaved in their own country, unable to have a dialogue with their despotic ruler, and without any possibility of appeal, the Quechan revolted, defeated the occupiers and recovered their freedom.

Had history been written by them, the events which took place just across the river on July 17, 1781, would perhaps be known as Quechan Liberation Day instead of the Yuma Massacre."

Get the Story:
Vladimir Guerrero: Truth about Yuma 'massacre' by Quechan lost to history (The Yuma Sun 7/15)