It was in the fall of 1769 when Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portola and his expedition made the initial colonial thrust into Alta California. On November 4th they climbed Sweeny Ridge in Pacifica and made the first European sighting of San Francisco Bay.

In celebration of this important 250th anniversary, the Gaspar de Portola chapter commissioned a historical marker to be placed near the expedition’s November 5th campsite along Canada Road and the Crystal Springs trail, just south of San Francisco Bay.

A dedication ceremony was held on September 7, 2019 at the marker site. Over seventy people attended including many DAR members. The program included welcoming remarks from Ian Bain, Redwood City mayor and Ned Fluet, Town of Woodside Mayor Pro Tem. San Mateo County Historical Association President, Mitch Postal, gave an informative talk about the historical expedition.

Gaspar de Portola chapter Regent Maggie Coleman and Marker Committee chair Dee Eva performed the dedication and unveiling ceremony.