Orchard Hills was historically inhabited by the Chumash, Alliklik, Kitanemuk, Serrano, Gabrielino Luiseno Cahuilla, and the Kumeyaay tribes, predominantly the
Gabrieleno Tribes who are thought to have been
Uto-Aztecan speakers. Some researchers believe that the Aztecs descended from
California. Orchard Hills is near
Irvine Ranch, so it is expected that Gabrieleño farmers and
Hunter-gatherers likely farmed
acorns,
mesquite,
Prickly-Pear Cactus,
chia seeds, wild cherry,
white sage, among other fruits.
European colonization From the 17th century to the early 19th century, California was under
Spanish rule as Alta California. During this period, the state was limited to trading outposts, villages, forts, and most notably, the
Spanish missions in California, which were erected by
Junipero Serra. The mission closest to Orchard Hills is San Juan Capistrano, which was founded in 1776.
Mexican-American war One of the implications of the
Mexican–American War was the
Bear Flag Revolt, which disrupted native activity in the area near Orchard Hills. == Demographics ==