Carmel-by-the-Sea in Monterey County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Portola Crespi Cross

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 15, 2013

1. Portola Crespi Cross Marker

Inscription. On December 10, 1769, the Portola Crespi Expedition from Mexico erected a cross on this hill to signal its long-overdue supply ship San Jose. A message at the cross stated that they were suffering great privation and were returning to San Diego. The San Jose had been lost at sea.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Lost at Sea series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1213.

Location. 36° 32.1′ N, 121° 55.567′ W. Marker is in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, in Monterey County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Calle La Cruz and Ribera Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2729 Calle La Cruz, Carmel CA 93923, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Early American Baptisms in California (approx. 0.6 miles away); Lt. Colonel Juan Bautista De Anza (approx. 0.6 miles away); Mission Cross (approx. 0.6 miles away); Junípero Serra/Establishing the California Missions/The Ave Maria Bell (approx. 0.7 miles away); World War I Memorial (approx. 1.4 miles away); Korean War Memorial (approx. 1.4 miles away); Vietnam War Memorial (approx. 1.4 miles away); World War II Memorial (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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sectionhead>More about this marker. The Portola Crespi Cross is located on a knoll behind the house at 2729 Calle La Cruz. A path leading to the cross starts from the right of the house. The marker is located on the path. There is a beautiful view of Carmel River State Beach from the top of the knoll.

Also see . . . Hike to the Portola Crespi Cross. In order to understand the signifcance of this cross we have to go back to 1796 when Jose de Galvez, Visitador-General of New Spain selected a fourfold expedition to travel by land and sea from La Paz to Monterey. (Submitted on September 28, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 15, 2013

2. Portola Crespi Cross Marker

Carmel River State Beach image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 15, 2013

3. Carmel River State Beach

Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,130 times since then and 164 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 28, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.