First Landing of Filipinos in the Continental United States
Posted by: 
brwhiz
N 35° 22.337 W 120° 51.667
10S E 694303 N 3916429
This historical sign is located in a small park alongside the road leading from Morro Bay Harbor out to Morro Rock.
Waymark Code: WMJ9J9
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 10/14/2013
Views: 1
Historic Site
During the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade Era, from 1565 to 1815, Spanish galleons crossed the Pacific between the Philippines and Mexico.
On October 18, 1587, the Manila Galleon, Nuestra Senora de Esperanza, commanded by Pedro de Unamuno, entered Morro Bay near here. A landing party was sent to shore which included Luzon Indios, marking the first landing of Filipinos in the Continental United States. The landing party took official possession of the area for Spain by putting up a cross made of branches. The group was attacked by native Indians two days later, and one of the Filipinos was killed. Unamuno and his crew gave up further exploration of this part of the coast.
Historical Landmark Declared by the
Filipino American National Historical Society
California Central Coast Chapter
Dedicated October 21, 1995