Fremont Peak was called Gavilan Peak in early Spanish times, with Gavilan meaning Hawk in English. In 1846 Capt. John Charles Fremont, brevet captain of topographical engineers of the United States Army, was conducting a survey and exploring expedition in Oregon and California. His presence with an armed force in the settled area was opposed by Prefect Manuel Castro, General Jose Castro, and the California authorities, and he was ordered to leave. Instead, Fremont prepared to resist, ascended Gavilan Peak, and built a fort of logs. On March 6, 1846, after cutting a sapling for a flagpole, he raised the flag of the United States. Castro had his forces below at San Juan Bautista, but before any attack was made, Fremont’s flagpole blew down on the afternoon of March 9. Taking this as a bad omen, Fremont broke camp in the night and moved on toward the San Joaquin, avoiding an open battle. After this episode, Gavilan Peak again became the meeting place for hawks. Elevation 3169 feet.

Photo: Syd Whittle

Photo: Barry Swackhamer