Captain Pedro Fages Trail!

Bill
Captain Pedro Fages Trail
Landmark #853 Contra Costa County Visited: July 12, 2014 Plaque?  YES! 🙂
What is it? A plaque marking Don Pedro Fages’ failed attempt to cross San Francisco Bay but successful exploration of Contra Costa County!
What makes it historical? THE GUIDE SAYS: In 1772, Fages, commandante at Monterey, vainly looked for a way across San Francisco Bay. With Franciscan missionary Juan Crespí, 14 soldiers, a muleteer, and an Indian servant, he trekked along Carquinez Strait, thence eastward nearly to Antioch before turning back. These, the first white men to explore what became Contra Costa County, passed this point and camped near Danville on March 31, 1772.

OTHER TIDBITS: This was also the same year that Pedro Fages earned the nickname “El Oso” because he was so skilled at hunting bears! Unfortunately, it was because it people like “El Oso” that grizzly bears no longer exist in California!
How can I Help the Helpers? HERE’S HOW:

  • Volunteer with the Museum of the San Ramon Valley!
  • Become a member of the San Ramon Valley Historical Society!
  • Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
Where is this place? LISTED DIRECTIONS:
856 Danville Blvd at El Portal
Danville, CA 94526

ANNOTATIONS:
Let’s focus on the intersection of Danville Boulevard and El Portal because the plaque is on the southeast corner!

From Los Angeles: ~358mi (577km) — 6hrs
From Sacramento: ~77mi (124km) — 1.3hrs
From San Diego: ~478mi (770km) — 8hrs
From San Francisco: ~30mi (49km) — 0.5hrs
When should I go? Whenever the mood strikes you!

Click here to see more California historical landmarks!

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