First Pilipinos in the U.S.

Many questions may come to mind during this Pilipino American History Month. Perhaps one of the most interesting questions raised would be, "When exactly did Pilipino American history begin?" Surprisingly, Pilipino American history began long before the first English settlement of Jamestown (1607) was established. Pilipinos were the first Asians to cross the Pacific Ocean in 1587--twenty years before Jamestown was established.

Pilipino American history began on October 17, 1587 when Pilipino seamen (referred to as "Luzonians," or "Luzon Indians,") were sent to the California shore by the Spanish king. They arrived in Morro Bay, (near present day San Luis Obispo) California aboard the Manila-built galleon ship called the Nuestra Senora de Esperanza. They were under the command of the Spanish Captain, Pedro de Unamuno. During the Manila- Acapulco Galleon Trade, Pilipinos were forced to work as sailors and navigators on board Spanish galleons from 1565 to 1815.

Research librarian, Eloisa Gomez Borah, further explored the initial encounter between the United States and the Philippines in her publication entitled, "Pilipinos in Unamuno's California Expedition of 1587." Borah draws emphasis on the participation of the "Luzonians" in Unamuno's landing party and expedition. She successfully highlights the roles played by these Pilipinos in the voyage of discovery for new supply ports on the northern coast of California and how they shared similar destinies with the Spanish soldiers they accompanied. Unfortunately, Borah's research leads to conclusions that much of the documented evidence of Pilipino presence in California during the 1500s, disappears in the coverage of the Unamuno voyage account.

Eloisa Gomez Borah's personal website provides more Pilipino and Pilipino American historical facts and current projects.