Cabrillo National Monument
The Cabrillo National Monument stands at the southern tip of Point Loma in San Diego today and is a depiction of the European conquistador Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo.
Our goal with this web exhibit is to show how the Cabrillo National Monument has transformed from its initial erection throughout various eras. Additionally, we want to bring attention to the shifting narrative of the monument as the perceived glorification of European conquistadors has been facing controversy. This has caused the public's interpretations of the Cabrillo National Monument to be altered based on how the explorer is represented in present society.
Cabrillo was estimated to have been born between the late 15th century and early 16th century. Historians debate whether Cabrillo was originally born in Spain or Portugal, however in recent years the concensus seems to be that he was likely Spanish. This is quite ironic considering it was the Portuguese government who funded both the original Cabrillo Monument and the replica.
Regardless of his birthplace, he worked for the Spanish Crown and went on to travel the West Coast of North America around 1542 to 1543. Many know him today as being the first European explorer of what is now California. Cabrillo stepped foot in San Diego, but in doing so, he exploited and killed many Indigenous peoples living in the area.
While viewing this web exhibit, we want everyone to keep in mind how the public's views on the Cabrillo Monument have been altered since its original dedication in San Diego back in 1914. Many people used to think of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo as a strong historical figure that discovered San Diego and had a great impact on the creation of the city. However, with time, the truth has been more exposed about how Cabrillo was towards San Diego's Indigenous communities.
The museum alongside the monument is located in Point Loma contains a great deal of information regarding the original Kumeyaay settlers in that area and the truth about how Cabrillo exploited his Native counterparts.
Nevertheless, the Cabrillo National Monument maintains its fame and remains to be one of the most visited monuments in California.