During Spain’s initial colonial thrust into Alta California, the Gaspar de Portolá expedition headed northward from San Diego searching for Monterey Bay. At first the party did not recognize the bay and continued to travel north. Turning east to look for a supply ship, they climbed Sweeney Ridge and on November 4, 1769, made the European discovery of San Francisco Bay. On November 5, they camped near this site and traveled to San Francisquito Creek the next day. After some scouting, they reversed course to search once more for the elusive Monterey and on November 12 camped near this site again at “a small lake”.
