Visitors often ask me about the significance of the sculpture honoring my 3rd great grandfather, Manuel Lorenzo Trujillo, at the entrance of the historic Agua Mansa Cemetery in Colton, California. Here’s how a small idea transformed into a family icon.

The Legacy of Lorenzo Trujillo

When I visited the Agua Mansa Cemetery, I noticed there was no grave marker for our family’s patriarch. Born on August 9, 1794, to an Indigenous Genizaro father, Juan Estevan Trujillo, and a Mestiza mother, Juana Martin, in the Pueblo of Abiquiu, New Mexico, Lorenzo Trujillo embarked on a remarkable journey. In 1840, at the age of 46, Lorenzo, his wife Maria Dolores Archuleta, and their seven children traveled 1200 miles along the Old Spanish Trail to settle in the San Bernardino Valley of Alta California. As a founder and leader of the San Salvador-Agua Mansa communities, Lorenzo passed away on April 4, 1855, becoming one of the earliest burials at the newly established Agua Mansa Cemetery.

The Challenge of Honoring a Legacy

Honoring someone of such significance required more than a simple headstone. Through conversations, I learned about Simi Dabah, a sculptor based in Los Angeles who donates his artwork to public, non-profit institutions. Captivated by his creations, I discovered a fortunate connection—Mr. Dabah’s barber, my partner, informed me of an upcoming appointment with him. Seizing the opportunity, I wrote a letter detailing Lorenzo Trujillo’s history and requested a sculpture for the Agua Mansa Cemetery. Just two hours after receiving my request, Mr. Dabah personally called me to approve it.

Choosing the Perfect Sculpture

Visiting Mr. Dabah’s worksite in Yucca Valley, California, was an unforgettable experience. Amidst hundreds of sculptures on a five-acre plot, one piece stood out. Approximately eight feet high and wide, with eight extensions, it resonated with me. The symmetric core symbolized the unity of our family, with Lorenzo at the center, radiating energy in all directions. Each arm represented his wife Maria Dolores Archuleta and their seven children: Teodoro, Matilde, Esquipula, Gertrudis, Doroteo, Julian, and Rosario. This sculpture felt like it was meant to be ours.

Bringing the Sculpture to Life

With the decision made, we needed to transport the sculpture 100 miles to Colton, lay a cement foundation, and obtain permissions from the San Bernardino County Museum and the County of San Bernardino. Our extended Trujillo family came together, donating funds for transportation and the foundation. The county approved our request to place the sculpture inside the cemetery grounds without hesitation.

A Family Icon is Born

On October 28, 2011, the sculpture was dedicated, with a blessing from the Bishop of the Diocese of San Bernardino, attended by 100 friends and family members. Since then, the Lorenzo sculpture has become a cherished Trujillo family icon. Its image now graces gold pendants, wool woven rugs from New Mexico, clothing, and serves as the logo for the Spanish Town Heritage Foundation.

This journey from a small idea to a lasting family symbol inspires me to encourage others to explore their family histories. You never know when a simple thought can blossom into a meaningful legacy.

Leonard F. Trujillo