First Filipino Landing at Morro Bay
Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County, California
Marker Inscription
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
Erected by Filipino American National Historical Society
The Story
For 250 years Spanish galleons crossed the Pacific between Manila and Acapulco, and in 1587 one of them, the Nuestra Señora de Esperanza under Pedro de Unamuno, put a landing party ashore near Morro Bay. That party included "Luzon Indios" — Filipino crew members — marking what is remembered as the first landing of Filipinos in the continental United States. After a deadly clash with local Native people days later, Unamuno abandoned further exploration of the coast.
Why it matters
It records an early, often-overlooked thread of American immigration and the global reach of the Pacific galleon trade, centuries before the United States existed.
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Related people
- · Pedro de Unamuno
Related events
- · Manila-Acapulco galleon trade
- · 1587 Filipino landing
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Nuestra Senora de Esperanza Landing historical marker
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For two and a half centuries, from 1565 to 1815, Spanish galleons crossed the vast Pacific between Manila and Acapulco, carrying silk, porcelain, and silver in one of history's great trade routes. On October 18, 1587, the Manila galleon Nuestra Señora de Esperanza entered Morro Bay — one of the earliest recorded European contacts with this stretch of the California coast. The marker recalls that fleeting but remarkable encounter.
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