The\u00a0San Salvador\u00a0under the command of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, arrived at the port we now call San Diego on September 28, 1542. The ship then proceeded further north in search of new trade routes that would link Mexico to Asia and Europe. She was the first recorded European vessel to sail along Southern California, and survey its coastline. Her expeditionary’s established a generally friendly first contact with the indigenous peoples of the area. The\u00a0San Salvador\u00a0must be considered the founding ship of San Diego and of the State of California. She functions as an \u201corigin symbol\u201d ship for San Diego in much the same way as the\u00a0Mayflower\u00a0is the origin symbol ship of New England. Her story represents the beginning of a common heritage for the peoples of California, both past and present.<\/p>\n