Exploring Agua Mansa Cemetery, Colton, CA: The Whispers of Gentle Water

Located in San Bernardino County, Agua Mansa Cemetery is all that's left of a once thriving community. Come walk with me through some of the stories and legends associated with this historic graveyard.
Music credits:
Laid Back Guitars by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/

[@sonnydean3187]

You are a fabulous orator. If you don't teach American history, you certainly should.

[@doyledean2763]

A friend and I stumbled into the cemetary in the late 1970s while we were rabbit hunting. It was a foggy day, and we had never heard of Agua Mansa or its cemetary. Anyway, the caretaker noticed us and took us on a tour. He showed us some of the important graves and said that there are many many more graves than there are markers. There are also believed to be burials outside the official fence, which was just a wire fence in those days. It's a very eerie place, especially in the fog. One of the stories the caretaker told is that Wyatt Earp's parents are buried there.

[@josej2844]

No lie, I was coming home from a party in Bloomington around 2 a.m with two friends of mine, and on the way back we were joking about going to aguamansa road but we were tired so we just passed the road and kept going south down riverside ave, and to get home in Highgrove I had to make a left at Placentia Ln which in less than a half a mile becomes center st, anyway on that road to my left we seen a lady in all white dress, long black hair walking towards a large empty lot. Great video.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. Seeing that lady out there must've really got your heart going.

[@FlameKing91]

I grew up and lived near this cementary for 13 years on a horse ranch that nowadays has been long replaced by a powerplant. The place has always attracted death. Its rather interesting.

[@kayeb7809]

I just found this and I am almost in tears. My Great-great-great grandfather and his infant daughter are buried in this cemetery. I was hoping to see their gravestones but no. I would love to be able to visit someday. Thank you so much for publishing this. I also wish the cemetery could be restored.

[@angelasaunders4568]

I grew up in this cemetery as a child. My grandparent Bud and Pauline Saunders were the care takers in the 70's , I had a imaginary" friend. and we played together. lots of stories I remember as a child living there, but never once scared of "ghosts". love the video, did a great job. the church building was not there tho when we were there. I did go back in the 80s as an adult and met the new caretaker. lots of great childhood memories, Thank you ! Hopefully will return again and revisit.

[@danielpenkoff688]

As a child, I grew up in Altadena. Mountain View Cemetery was a very special place for me. It angers me to no end when there are those who vandalize cemeteries. Agua Mansa Cemetery is a very special place and should be treated with the utmost respect. It is truly sad when fences and guards have to be put into place to deter desecration of graves. Cemeteries have always been places of peace to me. The historical narrative is so much a part of the history of Southern California. Thank you for sharing, Matt. Please say hello to your dad for me. I hope all is well with you. Peace.

[@fancyelliot]

The Trujillo Adobe still stands within the city of Riverside, and is the last structure known of the Agua Mansa settlement.

[@rickswan7201]

In more recent history my family, not part of the original settlers, became part of my living history. "Grandpa" as he was called by many of his grandchildren, MR Martinez, lived little over two miles from La Placita were my father had bought an 1890's house on half an acre of land next door, situated approximately 225 yards from the east dike of the Santa Ana River. This was my playground to include the "End of Orange" where I would ride my bicycle and venture out past the end of Orange Street into La Loma Hills or simply, "The Hills." I knew the family next door, my father sold Roy his white 1954 (year?) Chevy pickup truck, Gary, his son was a son-in-law to "Grandpa" and they made up the Penas who were present at the re-placement of Tannie Pena's headstone. I realized then, from the newspaper photograph that their history had become part of my history and I enjoy telling this story, now living history. It was common knowledge that the Trujillo family had helped settle the area and my father would tell me stories of how they had been part of the security plan for the ranching community that protected the livestock that roamed the area of the Alvarado-Jensen land holdings. In fact, my father bought the house I grew up in on Orange Street from one of the Trujillos. It is once again a step back in time where I realize what a small world we live in. I enjoy Dia de Los Muertos when it is held at White Park and you see tributes to many of the original settlers of the valley being paid homage and it is quite interesting to see the photos displayed of North Riverside's historically significant past residents. This was a good account of the cemetery and the local area. Thank you. They continue to upgrade the historical significance of the cemetery and the not mentioned "Trujillo Adobe" that is located near Orange Street and Placentia, savetrujilloadobe.com/history/.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for sharing your memories and the history of the area. It is truly remarkable the impact this community had on the development of Southern California.

[@swooper7494]

I'm Australian and proud of my history, I come across your video by accident and love the way you tell the story with respect. And respect the graves and people now at rest..

[@mikecampbell3174]

Very nice video, your calming speaking style makes it a pleasure to watch, thanks

[@bevchapman7913]

I'm captivated from beginning to end. Thank you!

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you very much, I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@bakerXderek]

This was soooo amazing man ! VERY well put together ! I recently visited and it was quite a weird vibe there knowing what it once was.

[@graveexplorations]

No denying that the place has a vibe. Thank you for watching and commenting! ツ

[@debbieprice2040]

Wonderful story teller......you bring life back to these places of rest. Thank you!!!

[@SoCalUrbex74]

Great Documentary!

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@NoBueno411]

Just found you, and subscribed. Your awesome. Thank you very much love it!!!!!

[@graveexplorations]

Thanks so much, I'm glad you found me.

[@Harvest1966]

So much history in the San Bernardino and Riverside area. I grew up in Perris...moving there in 1973. I have lived in San Jacinto, Hemet, Moreno Valley, as well as downtown Riverside. I finally moved away in 1994, but I always look back on those days with deep fondness. I now live in Tucson Arizona which is also steeped in rich history. I'm sure you came here you could a lot of interesting things to share. Keep up the great work. Once again...well done!

[@fuckyou3239]

Lol i just moved to perris its nice here... I came from LA the real ghetto its Disneyland here compared to where im from.. 💯

[@Harvest1966]

@@fuckyou3239 I agree!! I've been to L.A. twice and hated it both times!!

[@sasharae99]

I absolutely loved this!! Old cemeteries have always fascinated me. Real people who lived lives in another time and are now gone, each unique and special. I travel to my hometown in West Texas from Houston and pass so many old cemeteries but am nervous to stop lol. This is a great channel and great content!! Thank you from a new subscriber!!

[@LorrazyBee]

Thank you for making this beautiful video to honor these pioneers. I live very close to Jensen Alvarado ranch and recently drove passed this cemetery. I didn’t know this is where the Jensen Alvarado family was buried. So neat to learn about Solver as well.

[@graveexplorations]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank yo for watching!

[@alevine1951]

Wonderfully well-made video at every level, alternately poignant and haunting. Imagine the thousands who learned about the little-known history of this place for the first time thanks to you, and who are likely to visit when in the area.

[@graveexplorations]

It's well worth a visit. Thank you for watching and commenting :)

[@wndrwmn72a44]

Thank you for your very extensive and professional research on this historical cemetery! My husband and I truly enjoy watching your channel. Your articulate words and information makes it difficult to stop watching your videos. The time you took to gather facts and share them with the public is greatly appreciated.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you very much! :)

[@bettyfourman5438]

Your videos are the very best. Absolutely. In everyway. History channel does not do any better. In many cases not as good.

[@graveexplorations]

You are so very kind, thank you!

[@neitajames6029]

I enjoyed this very much. Saw show that talked about the crying woman, they said she drowned her children was later sorry. It was said her husband loved their children more than her out jealousy threw the children in the river. It seemed like she's screaming where are they. Seemed priest was called they found a white dress they burned it so she could move on Liston's I might be misspelling her name. I can understand the residents being scared hearing her screaming every night it was on paranormal show. Many felt they should not of burned the dress. Seemed she's doomed to wander and look for her children. But burning the dress stopped the screaming. That was spooky. Dad people desecrated those graves took markers and destroyed others. Glad its now protected. Some people have no respect for the dead.. Respect and positivity. My two oldest sons along with me and my husband are enjoying your videos and learning. Music seem to fit the videos. Neita and family.:-)

[@jimmyhappysmith204]

Thank you so much for sharing your historic informative video. The tree's are refreshing in this cemetery.

[@ethnalee9191]

As usual Great Video, Makes me feel that I am there,love walking 🚶‍♀️ with you it’s so refreshing.....🍀🍀🍀🌹

[@anthonyy.matranga9431]

Another excellent video documentary. Thanks ! I'll be stopping by here now to pay this cemetery a visit.

[@graveexplorations]

This is the perfect time of year to visit. There is a lot to discover, enjoy! :)

[@melissaanselm273]

Why would anyone wanna desecrate a cemetery like that. It's so wrong. :-(

[@melissaanselm273]

It's so messed up

[@GaryHardin]

Excellent and very entertaining.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you! Agua Mansa is a great place to visit, unlike anywhere else I've been.

[@FetchTheSled]

Thanks for sharing! I had no idea the cemetery was so large.

[@matildekimmerle6607]

Again well done.

[@whozyopimp21]

I live/grew up ten minutes away from this cemetery and oh man, my whole life agua mansa has always had a different feel.

[@rdo1231]

This was excellent

[@celiagorleski2716]

I love the background music. I wish I knew what it was and where to find it. It's very relaxing but also very appropriate.

[@graveexplorations]

The music is called "Laid Back Guitars," and is available for free download in the KZbin creator site.

[@FelipeGarcia-uu1qh]

My father born in Colton in 1919. My grandmother died that same year. Relatives and locals told me she would have been buried here but many records were lost in the old chapel fire. And a great many headstones were vandalized and went missing. Of the names salvaged my grandmother's name does not appear on the register. I wish I could verify her burial somehow. .

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for your comment. It's possible that your grandmother's death was recorded by the State. A good place to start looking is at FamilySearch.org. It is a free (no strings or conditions attached) genealogical site. If you find the death record you might be able to track down her death certificate that will have the place of burial. Best of luck in your search.

[@HEPRODUCTIONSHAUNTDEMPIRE]

My company researches locations in the inland empire and we have an old listing of who is buried in Agua Mansa here is the link so you can check for your grandmother's name. facebook.com/notes/haunted-empire/buried-at-agua-mansa-cemetery/1388345557912735/

[@PhantomCookie87]

Being a graveyard enthusiast myself, I am really impressed by your channel and the videos you create! Keep up the good work, I really look forward to your future content☺☠

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for your very kind words, they are great appreciated. :)

[@virginiaveritas326]

Well researched and filmed documentary! Thank you for making this video and sharing the history of this cemetery and the lives of those early settlers. I'm from Colton and have a first cousin who is buried there (thankfully his tombstone is in excellent condition) - he was a toddler who died in a tragic train accident. We are all grateful for those who keep the cemetery from vandals and work to keep its story alive.

[@teresasmiley4491]

I was born in Colton California I’m 60 now but still often visit the small cemetery I know more about it and I’m so thankful to you for this video I now live in Washington state married for 37 years but often go back to visit and with now this new found information this little cemetery means so much more to me thank you and God bless🙏🏼👍❤️PS I was there once and the lady at the museum said that Wyatt Earp was buried there it was moved to Riverside Cemetery not sure exactly which one but yeah I thought it was interesting again thank you

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you so much for watching and sharing your story! Agua Mansa is an amazing place to visit, and well worth the time for anyone who is in the area. As for the Earp family, they have a history in Colton. Wyatt's brother Virgil was the city marshal in the late 1880s. His other brother Morgan (who died in Tombstone, AZ in the reprisals following the OK Corral gunfight) had his body moved to Hermosa Gardens Cemetery in Colton, CA. where he rests to this day. He was brought there by his parents who lived in the area. Wyatt Earp rests in Hills of Eternity Memorial Park in Colma, CA (in the Bay Area).

[@stargatedr]

@@graveexplorations Wyatt rests with his wife Josephine, but I read it is cremains

[@totuffofyou6203]

wow my great grampa was tannie peña my grama dad i was their when we had ceremony for his head stone was brought back i took my grandma and her brother was their it was a sad and happie day ! thank you for sharing

[@jerinacordova-lieb8290]

I miss the pumpkin patch they had here when I was a kid. That hay ride plus a creepy cemetery story went perfectly together. I absolutely love and appreciate all this information. Thank you so much.

[@geriacosta276]

My Grandmother Maria Elena Rodriguez and my two Tias are also buried there,my father would take us up there to clean around the markers, never scared to be there at that time many of the stones were untouched and good condition, as you drove in was a canal that flowed parallel to the cemetery, the entrance gate was decorated with iron pieces depicting with the pioneers journey, I spent many quiet moments listening to the birds songs while the pepper trees branches gently swayed

[@victoriataylor5457]

Thank you for the most interesting walk through this old cemetery, you do an excellent job of providing such historical background. The guitars were a beautiful touch. So Spanish sounding. A very intresting cemetery.

[@michele2855]

Enjoyed the music you used in this video. Really interesting history. Your narration and thoughts 👍🏽

[@safarieten]

Very tastefully done, Thanks.

[@graveexplorations]

John Paul Brotherton thank you for commenting.

[@moicecibon4768]

Absolutely riveting

[@llleindecker1727]

Thank you, my great grandmother was buried there around 1926, she was 26 ... my grandmother always knew Morgan Earp had been buried there before Hermosa Cemetery.

[@bakerXderek]

Loved this ! When I visited that cemetery it had such a creepy yet overly interesting vibe. I kept wanting to learn more and more. I'm wanting to go metal detecting around that spot by the santa ana river hopefully find some cool stuff from the old flood.

[@ericf7063]

I'm a detectorist and take it from me. Most of what you'll find is old fashioned pull tabs, soda bottle tops, rusted out cans and bits of wire. But if thats your thing, go for it. Just make sure to take it out with you.

[@rangreen6387]

My great great uncle, Salvadore Alvarado, an artist, has paintings he painted of Aqua Mansa, as he remembers it as a boy. Some are in the San Bernardino Museum!

[@buckacre1348]

Very nicely done.

[@sexy79bear]

There's a old cemetery at old san Diego would be a great place to go

[@debraodonnell2077]

Beautiful tribute people that desecrate graves disgust me

[@hypercomms2001]

Thank you, although I live in Australia, I find this fascinating, and well researched. Thank you.

[@acardona909]

Thank you dude amazing

[@coolmoodee]

think I might pay this place a visit

[@monapause8108]

I was just there. I have a lot of family buried there. the grandson of Louis Robidoux, Raymond Trujillo, was my grandpa's sister's husband. her name was Rose Sanchez Trujillo. my grandpa's oldest sister, his dad and grandma are buried there. Filomena Velarde was my great, great grandma and she's buried with my great grandpa, Alejo Sanchez and his daughter, Beatrice Sanchez are all buried there. the bridge into the cemetery was designed and built by David Alvarado, he was married to Alejo's 2nd child, Lucia. Alejo and his wife, Maria had 7 kids. my grandpa was the baby. Maria died when my grandpa was a year old. I wish I knew where she was. I was overcome with sadness by what the businesses around there are trying to do by having the cemetery removed. there are 2000 people lined up one after the other, all in rows, like railroad ties. that is amazing to me because of how small this special place really is in person.

[@doloresvargas6450]

This is a lesson in preserving our earth.San Bernardino County needs to count there blessings.Tony has spoken.

[@ericf7063]

I've been there a couple of times during the summer (a very long time ago). I'll admit, it is unsettling because it'll be a warm summer night, next thing you know you're in a fog bank. But according to local legend, I've never heard babies crying or voices. The biggest fright I got is when the cop lit me up.

[@clearwaterguy5342]

I hope you are a professional speaker as you have a very soothing voice!

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you very much! But I'm still a novice :)

[@angelsutton9860]

TRULY ~ ever thought of A job in RADIO or VOICEOVERS Matt????

[@audikennedy8112]

Nicely done!

[@kayeb7809]

I have more information. Great-great great grandfathers name Jose Escapoula Francisco Garcia 1820-1904, his infant daughter Marie Sara Filomenia Garcia, 1863-1864

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for sharing your family's history. Sadly, many of the graves at Agua Mansa are unmarked, but I will go through my unused video to see if I can find the name. If I do I will let you know through this comment thread. The cemetery now belongs to the San Bernardino Museum who (thankfully) keep round the clock security on site to prevent further vandalism.

[@stevenh83]

Never knew about this I pass by Agua Mansa when going from rialto to riverside there's alot of history here

[@graveexplorations]

Well worth a visit, it's quite a moving place. Thank you for watching!

[@jordanromo4645]

California life tv has a video on this as well good job

[@DulceGarcia-sq3mp]

Do Spadra in Pomona, please!

[@bobbie4904]

growing up there in 50s and 60s, we were told never to be on that road at night .... we never were and just as afraid in daylight . known for quite a few accidents . ... and supernatural stories. good to see it's been cleaned. last time I saw it it was close and taken over with weeds.

[@moicecibon4768]

Please do pioneer cemetery in Sierra Madre.

[@robertquesada1136]

This is the second time I've heard mentioned about the gentleman walking his dog. In this video and along with another one. I and among others in my car were driving late one night with my headlights turned off for a short time hoping to see by any chance if we could see the Crying Woman appear but once I then turned my lights back on and the moment within minutes we saw the gentleman walking his dog late at night.

[@isaacthomas2955]

Thank you

[@BluntWeiser]

You certainty do your research, excellent video.

[@graveexplorations]

Thank you for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@sallyintucson]

If you have goat head thorns on your own property there’s a easy way of getting rid of them. Get some burlap bags and drag them on the ground. The thorns will grab on to it and you can shake them off into the trash. The burlap can be used over and over.

[@mariacardenas4665]

Interesting story

[@doloresvargas6450]

Have you ever thought of going to a Los Angeles cathedral.? Tony

[@timmieundertalehero9615]

pls do forever Hollywood it contains Mickey Rooney John Ramone and much more!

[@graveexplorations]

cool crafter96 Hollywood Forever is definitely on the list.

[@monapause8108]

my husband told me last week that he looked up the cemetery again and it says it's closed. I really hope it was because of the caretakers going on vacation for a bit and not that no one is there anymore. I want my ashes interred there when I croak. not scattered, but buried in a canister of concrete with a headstone. arrgh!

[@MochasimsX]

👍❤

[@OnceUponaSquirrel50]

3:50 my favorite part.

[@graveexplorations]

Glad you liked it!

[@jeffthomas5425]

What is the name of the beautiful background song?

[@graveexplorations]

It's called "Laid Back Guitars." Thank you for watching and forgive the lateness of my reply.

[@mariaanalum2712]

correct the statements to accurately describe the photograph of the lynching and dragging of the men by the horseman poising with dead bodies as trophy hunters.

[@tonyhoward1735]

so sad

[@vickibroussard5603]

I thought one of the Earp brothers was buried here?

[@graveexplorations]

Morgan Earp is buried not far away at Hermosa Gardens in Colton. He murdered in Tombstone, AZ in a reprisal following the OK Corral gunfight. He was buried in Colton where his parents were living at the time. Thank you for watching and commenting :)

[@ericf7063]

Morgan Earp is buried just east of Arrowhead hospital. As you enter the cemetary he's one of the first right off to the left. The Earps parents home is still standing and people are living in it. I believe the cemetary is called Hermosa Gardens Cemetary.

[@thecashman1020]

THE OLD SPANISH TRAIL...

[@longwhitemane]

Will someone please explain to me what is WRONG with people? Why do people desecrate graves? Makes as much sense as graffiti. 😡

[@agustdan6599]

Imagine being burried next to a wharehouse. We have to do better America. 😔

[@anderander5662]

So dry and dusty looking...

[@DianaMartinez-vw3sr]

THIS NOT CORRECT!!!! It was Santiago Martinez and his sons who were the Trade Cartel and Military Militias. I have documented proof. Grrr... This wrong and must be corrected.

[@graveexplorations]

It sounds like you have some very fascinating insight into the subject. Perhaps you can make your own video to set the record straight. If you do, you may post a link in the comments here and I will pin it to the top so that any future watchers will have the benefit of your insight. Thank you for your comment.

[@charkswitlazers]

Hail Satan

[@rsandrews8115]

Zzzzz Dry and slow. A lot of nobodies.