Drakes Bay facts for kids
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Drakes Bay Historic Archaeological District
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2013 view
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| NRHP reference No. | 12001006 |
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Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 10, 2012 |
| Designated NHLD | October 10, 2012 |
Drakes Bay (in the Coast Miwok language: Tamál-Húye) is a beautiful bay on the coast of northern California. It is part of the Point Reyes National Seashore. The bay is about 4 miles (6.4 km) wide. It is located about 30 miles (48 km) northwest of San Francisco.
The bay was named in 1875 by a U.S. surveyor named George Davidson. He named it after Sir Francis Drake. Many people believe this bay is where Sir Francis Drake landed in 1579. He was exploring the world by sea at that time. Another old name for this bay is Puerto De Los Reyes.
Contents
What is an Estuary?
Drakes Bay is connected to Drake's Estero. An estuary is a special place where fresh river water mixes with salty ocean water. It is a very important home for many plants and animals.
The estuary and parts of Drakes Bay are protected areas. These are like underwater parks. They help keep the ocean wildlife and their homes safe. This includes the Estero de Limantour State Marine Reserve & Drakes Estero State Marine Conservation Area.
A Bay Full of History
Drakes Bay has a rich history. It is believed to be the spot where Sir Francis Drake landed in 1579. He called this new land "New Albion."
The Lost Spanish Ship
Another important event happened here in 1595. A Spanish ship called a Manila galleon sank in the bay during a storm. The ship was carrying goods from Asia.
Both Sir Francis Drake and the Spanish ship's commander, Sebastião Rodrigues Soromenho, met the local Miwok people. The Miwok were the native people living in this area.
Clues from the Past: Archaeology
Scientists have found 15 old settlement sites around the bay. These sites belonged to the Miwok people. At these sites, archaeologists have found European trade goods. These items were likely recovered by the Miwok from the wrecked Spanish ship.
Because of its important history, the coastal area of Drakes Bay was named a National Historic Landmark District on October 17, 2012. This means it's a very special place in American history.
See also
In Spanish: Bahía Drakes para niños
