This Day in History: 17 June 2020
17 June 1579
441 years ago, today, English seaman Francis Drake anchored near present-day California, claiming the territory for Queen Elizabeth I. This land was nicknamed 'Nova Albion', where Drake would remain for a month in order to make repairs to his ship, the Golden Hind, and prepare for his westward crossing of the Pacific Ocean. While ashore, he posted an engraved plate of brass to claim sovereignty for Elizabeth and every succeeding English monarch. Drake also had friendly relations with the Coast Miwok and explored his surrounding land by foot. The repaired ship and crew departed on July 23.
Drake had set out from England in December 1577 on a mission to raid Spanish holdings on the Pacific coast of the New World. Many devastating storms hindered his expedition, causing only the Golden Hind, out of Drake's five initial ships, to reach the Pacific Ocean. In search for a possible northeast passage back to the Atlantic, Drake reached as far north as present-day Washington before turning back. The Golden Hind returned home in September 1580, arriving in Plymouth, bearing its riches in treasure and valuable information about the newly discovered great oceans. As a reward for his brave expedition, Queen Elizabeth knighted Drake in 1581 during a visit to his ship.
Want to find out more about the adventures of Francis Drake? Click here for more information, or here for some untold facts about the explorer.
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