Harry Cutts on Wikimedia Commons

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 Senora 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