121587 Access

Today, this event is recognized as the earliest documented presence of Filipinos in what is now the continental United States. A monument at Morro Bay marks the spot of the landing, predating the arrival of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock by 33 years.

: On the third day (October 20), tensions rose, and a violent encounter occurred between the expedition and the native Californians, resulting in the death of one Spaniard and one Filipino. Commemoration 121587

In October 1587, history was made on the shores of California when the first Filipinos landed at Morro Bay. The Expedition of the Esperanza Today, this event is recognized as the earliest