First Ship into San Francisco Bay
San Francisco, San Francisco, California
Marker Inscription
First Ship into San Francisco Bay On August 5, 1775, the Spanish packet San Carlos, under the command of Lieutenant Juan Manuel de Ayala, became the first ship to enter San Francisco Bay. A month and a half was spent in surveying the bay from its southern most reaches to the northern end of present-day Suisun Bay. The San Carlos departed September 18, 1775. California Historical Landmark No. 236
Erected by California State Department of Parks and Recreation
The Story
On August 5, 1775, the Spanish packet San Carlos, commanded by Lieutenant Juan Manuel de Ayala, became the first ship to sail into San Francisco Bay. Over some six weeks the crew charted the bay from its southern reaches to present-day Suisun Bay before departing in September. Their survey opened one of the world's great harbors to European knowledge.
Why it matters
The voyage marks the European discovery of San Francisco Bay from the water, a first step toward the port that would shape the settlement and commerce of the American West.
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Related people
- · Juan Manuel de Ayala
Themes & tags
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