Near San Gregorio in San Mateo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

MISSING

SEE LOCATION SECTION

Portola Camp

Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 20, 1977

1. Portola Camp Marker

Inscription. Captain Gaspar de Portola and his party of Spanish explorers, journeying overland from San Diego in a fruitless search for Monterey Bay, camped here by San Gregorio Creek for a three day rest and treatment of their sick, October 24-27, 1769. Having missed Monterey, they later discovered San Francisco Bay instead.

Erected 1949 by California Centennials Commission in cooperation with the County Board of Supervisors and the San Mateo County Historical Association (October 16, 1949). (Marker Number 26.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Science & Medicine • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Portolá Expedition series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1904.

Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 37° 19.366′ N, 122° 24.06′ W. Marker was near San Gregorio, California, in San Mateo County. Marker was on Cabrillo Highway (State Highway 1). Marker base is located at the entrance to San Gregorio State Beach, 10.8 miles south of Half Moon Bay and .1 mile south of the Highway 84 Intersection. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: San Gregorio CA 94074, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other

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markers are within 8 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. San Gregorio House (approx. 0.8 miles away); First Congregational Church of Pescadero (approx. 4.8 miles away); Duarte's Tavern (approx. 5 miles away); Methodist Episcopal Church of Pescadero (approx. 5.1 miles away); a different marker also named Methodist Episcopal Church of Pescadero (approx. 5.1 miles away); Apple Jack's Inn (approx. 7 miles away); In Memoriam The Aircraft "Resolution" (approx. 7.3 miles away); Methusela (approx. 7.9 miles away).

More about this marker. This site is a California Registered Historical Landmark (No. 26).

Portola Camp Marker in 2004 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Alvis Hendley, October 20, 2004

2. Portola Camp Marker in 2004

Portola Camp Marker Base image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 24, 2008

3. Portola Camp Marker Base

Portola Camp Marker Base and Flag Pole image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, August 24, 2008

4. Portola Camp Marker Base and Flag Pole

The marker was still in place in Ocrober of 2004. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Alvis Hendley, October 20, 2004

5. The marker was still in place in Ocrober of 2004.

Missing Portola Camp Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By John Vonderlin, January 7, 2009

6. Missing Portola Camp Marker

I'm sad to have to relate that "metals thieves" have stolen the marker. Lately these "scum of the earth" have been stealing historical markers, dedicative plaques off seaside benches, copper wiring from schools,etc. While we can't watch these isolated spots all the time I would urge you to support more restrictive laws on scrap, salvage and recycling dealers as Oregon has done. Urging your local police to setup "stings" might help to ferret out the "fences" that facilitate these crimes.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,289 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 3, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 2. submitted on August 15, 2022, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. 3, 4. submitted on September 3, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 5. submitted on August 15, 2022, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. 6. submitted on January 8, 2009, by John Vonderlin of Santa Clara, California. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.