The Journal of San Diego History
Summer 1973, Volume 19, Number 3
Contents of This Issue

The Discoverer of Alta California:
João Rodrigues Cabrilho or Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo?

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On the tip of Point Loma overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the entrance to San Diego Bay, the Cabrillo National Monument commemorates the historic 1542 voyage of expolrer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. Here on a high and spectacular bluff and commanding a panoramic view of the city of San Diego stands a statue of Cabrillo, a gift of the Portuguese government, which is picturesd on the cover.

 
Cabrillo sailed from Puerto de Navidad in June, 1542, with two ships, the San Salvador and the Victoria. He entered San Diego Bay in September, 1542, and named the Bay San Miguel in honor of Saint Michael the Archangel. This illustration is from a painting by Jack O. Schlichting commissioned by Fred B. Mitchell and now in the collections of the San Diego Historical Society.

 

Cabrillo Celebration Parade on F Street,
San Diego, September, 1892.

 

Re-enactment of the Landing of Cabrillo at Cabrillo Celebration, San Diego, September, 1894.

 

 
Medal struck in 1913 to commemorate the creation of the Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma, San Diego. Actual size of medal is 1½ inches.

Back to the Article: The Discoverer of Alta California