Site of Fort Guijarros

The Lelia Byrd came in for otter pelts in March 1803, knowing Spain forbade the trade, and left with five Spanish soldiers aboard after her crew overpowered a boarding party. That is the decision the corporal at this battery faced. Jose Velasquez could let a smuggler walk or fire on a ship carrying his own men out through a narrow channel. He fired. The brig traded shots with the battery, got clear of the point, and put the soldiers ashore. It is the only ship-to-shore fight Spain and the United States had on this coast.

What the plaque says

Fort Guijarros Site An outpost of Spain's far flung empire at its greatest extent, this fort was completed before 1800 from plans drawn by Alberto de Cordoba in 1795. Its major action came under Corporal Jose Velasquez on March 22, 1803, in the “Battle of San Diego Bay” with the American brig, Lelia Byrd, which was smuggling sea otter pelts. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 69 Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the U.S. Department of the Navy, Casa de Espana, San Diego Cannoneers, San Diego Archaeological Society, and Squibob Chapter, E Clampus Vitus, March 22, 1981.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Ballast Point Whaling Station Site — steps away
• Fort Rosecrans — steps away
• Cabrillo Landing Site — steps away
• Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery — 0.6 mi