10/18/2026
first made landfall in the Continental United States 439 years ago today, when the so-called Luzones Indios arrived in what is now Central California's back in October 18, 1587. This is more than three full decades before the Pilgrims arrived aboard the Mayflower!
Below is the transcription of the memorial plaque at Morro Bay by the .
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 Señora 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
Photo Credit: Christy Wanders
