Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
In Honor of Gov. Gaspar de Portola
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 4, 2019
1. In Honor of Gov. Gaspar de Portola Marker
Erected 1927 by Daughters of the American Revolution Santa Barbara Chapter.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Portolα Expedition series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is August 18, 1769.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 34° 25.426′ N, 119° 42.122′ W. Marker was in Santa Barbara, California, in Santa Barbara County. It could be reached from the intersection of Anacapa Street and Figueroa Street. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara CA 93101, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was on California’s Central Coast, specifically on the Coast Ranges, and specifically in the Transverse Ranges. It was also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it was 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 found itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Santa Barbara County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Santa Barbara County Courthouse (within
this page online
More about this marker. The marker is mounted to a rock, on the grounds of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, at the southernmost part of the grounds. The marker may be difficult to see from the street because it is screened by trees.
Also see . . . Gaspar de Portolα (Wikipedia). "Gaspar de Portolα y Rovira (1723–1786) was a Spanish soldier and administrator in New Spain. As commander of the Spanish colonizing expedition on land and sea that established San Diego and Monterey, Portolα expanded New Spain's Las Californias province far to the north from its beginnings on the Baja California peninsula.
July 28, 2021
2. In Honor of Gov. Gaspar de Portola Marker
Marker confirmed missing 7/28/2021
Additional commentary.
1. Where's the plaque now?
Plaque removed from public display in 2020 by the Courthouse and given for safekeeping to Mission Canyon Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
— Submitted June 2, 2026, by Alice Mansell of Los Altos, California.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 4, 2019
3. In Honor of Gov. Gaspar de Portola Marker - wide view
Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 881 times since then and 21 times this year. Last updated on July 29, 2021, by Robert Holmstrom of Rocklin, California. Photos: 1. submitted on April 2, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 2. submitted on July 29, 2021. 3. submitted on April 2, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
