Ayala Cove

Ayala Cove. . , Preventing the Spread of Disease , Close your eyes and imagine this cove full of ships and sailors, buildings and noisy machines, doctors, cleaning staff, and nervous travelers hoping to complete their voyages., When the US Quarantine Station opened here in 1891, ships and people coming from other countries risked spreading yellow fever, cholera, plague, and other diseases., Congress decided a quarantine station would help. Travelers could be held there for weeks to be sure they were not sick. Their clothes and baggage were disinfected and sterilized. The ships and cargo were fumigated to kill rats, fleas, and other disease-carrying pests., In time, medical advances and better screening reduced the need for the quarantine station, and it was shut down., Did You Know? , . For centuries, Ayala Cove served as a landing point for Coast Miwok people. Later, Spanish sailors anchored here. , . Superheated steam, sulphur, formaldehyde, sodium cyanide, ammonia, and hydrochloric acid were used to disinfect cargo and luggage. , . Quarantined travelers could wait up to six weeks before being allowed to continue to their destinations. , . Juan Manuel de Ayala, the first European to anchor at Angel Island, named it Isla de los Angeles. He landed on August 2, 1775, an important Catholic feast day celebrating Our Lady of the Angels, Saint Mary., Right Panel: , Discover, Timelss Harbor , With its natural harbor and sheltered waters, Ayala Cove has served as the main landing point on Angel Island for generations. , While You Are Here , 1. Exhibits and a short film make the visitor center an excellent starting point for discovering Angel Island and its rich history. , 2. Look for moon-shaped hills of dirt in the grassy areas, marking the home of the Angel Island mole. , 3. If you don’t have much time, walk up Perimeter Road above Point Ione. It offers a nice view of Sausalito and Tiburon, as well as sailboats on clear days. , 4. Notice the contrast between the eucalyptus trees, which the army planted in rows like corn, and the much less orderly native trees across the road. , 5. Protected waters make the Ayala Cove beach a great spot to splash in the water. , Safety Starts Here , Stay on trails and out of closed buildings to avoid injuries. By following these simple steps, you also help protect the park’s resources., Left Panel: , Angel Island State Park , (map)