Drake Claims California for England (1579)

Dr Adam Norten's Travel Channel
Sir Francis Drake
Sir Francis Drake

During his circumnavigation of the world, English seaman Francis Drake anchors in a harbor just north of present-day San Francisco, California, and on 17 June, 1579, claims the territory for Queen Elizabeth I. Calling the land “Nova Albion,” Drake remained on the California coast for a month to make repairs to his ship, the Golden Hind, and prepare for his westward crossing of the Pacific Ocean.

Read the complete article on History.com.

Note that this voyage is featured in Dean Calin’s song, Call of the Sea, performed by Bounding Main.