Rio Vista Canvas

The Sacramento River in Rio Vista.  The border between Solano and Sacramento Counties.  The first Europeans to arrive in Solano County were a small group of Spanish soldiers who crossed near this spot to fight the Suisun tribe of Native Americans.  The Suisun Tribe had a nasty habit of killing other Native Americans who converted to Christianity as well as Spanish missionaries.  The Suisun tribe were defeated in battle.  The last remaining members of the tribe committed suicide instead of converting to Spanish rule.  Only the small children survived.  Among the children was a young boy by the name Sam Yeto who became a pivotal figure in pre Gold Rush California and arguably is a Founding Father of California.  He later became known in history as Chief Solano.   Photographer: Dylan Carpowich