Landing of the First Filipinos

mcolarte@unc.edu — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 09:57:28 +0000

Description:

18 October 1587: the first recorded appearance of Filipinos on modern-day continental United States. Departing from Macao, China, they landed in present day California's Morro Bay as crewmen aboard Spaniard Pedro de Unamuno's galleon, Nuestra Señora de Buena Esperanza.

LocationMem:

Morro Bay, California

Coleman Park, Morrow Bay

Institution:

Filipino American National Historical Society (California Central Coast Chapter)

Official/Unofficial:

Unofficial

Group Acknowledged:

First Filipinos

Luzon Indios

Historical Subject:

"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 Señora de Esperanza, commanded by Pedro de Unamuno, entered Morrow Bay near here. A landing party was send 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 [N]ative [Americans] two days later, and one of the Filipinos was killed. Unamuno and his crew gave up further exploration of this part of the coast."

Physical Aspects:

Text on plaque embedded into rock located in Coleman Park

Date of Dedication:

21 October 1995

Place Location:

Files:

Collection:

Historical Marker Database Migration Collection

Themes:

Philippines