Landmark #394 | San Mateo County | Visited: October 19, 2013 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
What is it? | A hilltop plaque overlooking San Francisco Bay! |
What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: On October 31, 1769, Captain Gaspar de Portolá was camped by the creek at the south of this valley when scouting parties brought news of a body of water to the east. On November 4, the expedition advanced. Turning inland, the party climbed to the summit of Sweeney Ridge and beheld the Bay of San Francisco for the first time.
OTHER TIDBITS: You might think this discovery would have been a cause of great celebration, but even though Portolá was the first European to see the Bay, after taking one look, he realized that it wasn’t Monterey at all and turned back! Luckily, he kept notes, and Spanish interest led to the construction of the Presidio of San Francisco 7 years later! This landmark is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places! |
How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: Site:
Plaque:
ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~387mi (623km) — 6.5hrs |
When should I go? | I would recommend visiting this park between sunrise and sunset, the earlier the better! |