The Journal of San Diego History
SAN DIEGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY QUARTERLY
Summer 1973, Volume 19, Number 3
James E. Moss, Editor

Back to the Article: The Discoverer of Alta California

On the tip of Point Loma overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the entrance to San Diego Bay, the Cabrillo National Monument commemorates the historic 1542 voyage of expolrer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. Here on a high and spectacular bluff and commanding a panoramic view of the city of San Diego stands a statue of Cabrillo, a gift of the Portuguese government, which is picturesd on the cover.

Painting by Jack O. Schlichting

Cabrillo sailed from Puerto de Navidad in June, 1542, with two ships, the San Salvador and the Victoria. He entered San Diego Bay in September, 1542, and named the Bay San Miguel in honor of Saint Michael the Archangel. This illustration is from a painting by Jack O. Schlichting commissioned by Fred B. Mitchell and now in the collections of the San Diego History Center.

Cabrillo Celebration Parade

Cabrillo Celebration Parade on F Street,
San Diego, September, 1892.

Re-enactment of the Landing of Cabrillo

Re-enactment of the Landing of Cabrillo at Cabrillo Celebration, San Diego, September, 1894.

Medal   Medal

Medal struck in 1913 to commemorate the creation of the Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma, San Diego. Actual size of medal is 1½ inches.