Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

First Ruling Sovereign of Europe to Visit America

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 4, 2019

1. First Ruling Sovereign of Europe to Visit America Marker

Inscription. In appreciation of the choice of Santa Barbara by the first ruling sovereign of Europe to visit America, Albert the First, heroic King of the Belgians - Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Brabant October 11-13-1919.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is October 11, 1919.

Location. 34° 25.47′ N, 119° 42.174′ W. Marker is in Santa Barbara, California, in Santa Barbara County. It is at the intersection of Anacapa Street and East Anapamu Street, on the right when traveling west on Anacapa Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara CA 93101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on California’s Central Coast,

specifically on the Coast Ranges,

and specifically in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: President Reagan Meets Queen Elizabeth II (here, next to this marker); Jose Francisco De Ortega (within shouting distance of this marker); Santa Barbara County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Santa Barbara County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Tympanum (within shouting distance of this marker); Myron Hunt (about 600 feet away); Janssens-Orella Adobe House Site (approx. 0.2 miles away); This Street Name Anapamu (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Barbara.

Another marker is no longer nearby. In Honor of Gov. Gaspar de Portola (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed).

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1. Royalty Visits Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara Independent, Feb. 28, 2018). "Some 5,000 Santa Barbarans gathered at the depot on October 11, 1919, to meet King Albert and Queen Elisabeth of Belgium. The two were unassuming people and loved to mingle with the locals with a lack of security unthinkable today....The entire city was entranced by the openness and energy of the Belgians. A short time after the visit, the City Council decreed that a portion of what is now Alameda Padre Serra be named King Albert Boulevard. That section of road became part of APS in 1932. The next crowned head of Europe would visit 51 years later, when Queen Elizabeth was honored by the city." (Submitted on December 30, 2019.)

2. Visits By Foreign Leaders of Belgium (US Dept. of State, Office of the Historian). King Albert: In U.S. October 2–31, visiting New York City, Boston (Massachusetts), Santa Barbara (California), San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Addressed U.S. Congress October 28. October 27–30, 1919. (Submitted on December 30, 2019.)

First Ruling Sovereign of Europe to Visit America Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 4, 2019

2. First Ruling Sovereign of Europe to Visit America Marker - wide view

The marker is located at the westernmost portion of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and may be difficult to see at times because trees were planted directly in front of the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 30, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 434 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 30, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.