Drake in California facts for kids

Francis Drake, a famous English explorer, was sailing around the world in 1579. He was halfway through his amazing journey when he sailed into the Pacific Ocean. Drake was looking for a secret water passage called the Strait of Anián. This passage was thought to connect the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. It was also known as the Northwest Passage when going the other way. He also needed a safe place to fix his ships.

After reaching land in Oregon, near Coos Bay, Drake sailed south. He hoped to find a good harbor there.

Where Did Drake Land in California?

Like many early explorers, Francis Drake did not leave a big, permanent sign where he landed. This makes it tricky for historians to know the exact spot. Instead, they look at small clues like old documents and physical evidence. It's a bit strange that Drake's landing spot is uncertain. This is because most of his trip was described in great detail by Francis Fletcher, who was with him.

Historians use several clues to figure out where Drake landed. These clues help them narrow down the possible locations.

What Clues Help Find Drake's Landing?

Many clues point to the location of Drake's landing. Here are some of the most important ones:

• The bay is very close to 38 degrees north latitude. This is about 30 nautical miles from that line.
• The area where the bay is located was home to the Coast Miwok people.
• Some islands, called the Islands of Saint James, are not far from the bay.
• There is no strait (a narrow water passage) leading into the land. Also, there are no strong ocean currents that would suggest one.
• The bay has white cliffs and banks that look like the famous white cliffs in England.
• The weather was cold, very foggy, and windy from June 27 to August 2 (using modern dates).
• This bay was the second one Drake found when sailing south along the coast.
• Drake found the bay by accident, as if it were a gift from God. He "fell with" a safe harbor inside the bay.
• The bay faces south. It has deep water (six to eight fathoms) near a point. The water gets shallower (three fathoms) as you go northeast into the bay. This leads to a place where a river or estuary meets the sea.
• The land away from the shore was fertile and welcoming. This was very different from the cold, foggy, and empty coast.
• Scientists have found old items from Drake's trip in Native-American village sites.

Many experts believe that Drake's Cove in Drakes Bay fits all these clues perfectly.

Three Main Clues for Drake's Landing

Robert Allen, a historian, says three clues are the most important for finding Drake's landing spot:

• Latitude: "38 degrees" was mentioned six times in old records as the latitude where Drake came ashore. This is a very strong clue.
• Islands: The records say, "Not farre without this harborough did lye certain lands (we called them the Islands of Saint James)." The only islands near 38 degrees north latitude are the Farallon Islands. You can only see them from as far north as Point Reyes. When Drake left, he sailed "from thence setting his course southwest." If you work backward from the Farallon Islands, heading northeast, you go straight into Drakes Bay.
• White Cliffs: The records also mention "White bancks and cliffes, which lie toward the sea." These are very noticeable features of Drakes Bay. The cliffs face both south and west, "toward the sea." They look like the white cliffs of Dover in England. This is why Drake named the land "Nova Albion" (New England).

More Clues to Drake's Landing Site

Raymond Aker, another expert, found even more specific clues that support the location:

• The landing site matches old maps, like the Dudley Charts.
• It was described as a "Fair and Good Bay."
• Native American houses were found close to the water.
• Drake didn't have many other choices for a safe harbor.
• The plants and animals found there match the descriptions.
• The site agrees with a famous map called the Hondius Portus Novae Albionis Inset.
• An Indian village was about three-quarters of a mile from Drake's camp.
• The hills around the camp match descriptions.
• The type of fort Drake built fits the area.
• The site matches the Montanus Engraving, an old picture.

Even more clues include:

• Drake's crew explored the area by hiking inland.
• The area was good for repairing ships, which was important.
• There was plenty of stone to build the fort's walls.
• The famous "Plate of Brass" (a metal plate Drake left behind) was first found in this area.
• The area had lots of food mentioned in the old stories. It also had enough water and supplies.
• The cove was big enough for Drake's expedition.
• The water was so clear that Native Americans could easily see and catch fish near the shore without swimming.