The cultural history of Point Reyes reaches back some 5,000 years to the Coast Miwok Indians who were the first human inhabitants of the Peninsula. Over 120 known village sites exist within the park. According to many experts, Sir Francis Drake landed here in 1579, the first European explorer to do so. In response to the many shipwrecks in the treacherous coastal waters, key lighthouse and lifesaving stations were established by the United States Government in the late 1800s and early 1900s. In the early 1800s, Mexican land grantees established ranchos. They were followed by a wave of American agricultural operations, which continue to this day in the Seashore's pastoral zone.
Coast Miwok Indian History The history of Point Reyes' first people more...
Climate Change Threatens Point Reyes Cultural Resources more...
Did You Know?
Elephant seals are the largest pinniped with males reaching a maximum of about 5,000 lbs. Harbor seals are much smaller with both males and females reaching a maximum weight of around 250 lbs.