Francis Drake Leaves Nova Albion and Begins His Pacific Crossing
On July 23, 1579, English explorer Francis Drake departed the coast of present-day northern California aboard the Golden Hind, leaving behind the territory he had claimed for England as Nova Albion (“New England”). Drake had landed there during his famous circumnavigation of the globe and claimed the region in the name of Queen Elizabeth I.
After repairing and resupplying his ship, Drake turned westward across the Pacific Ocean, beginning the next stage of his journey home. His voyage would eventually make him the first Englishman to circumnavigate the Earth, returning to England in 1580 with valuable cargo and international fame.
Drake’s claim to Nova Albion remains a debated moment in history, reflecting the era’s competition between European powers for overseas influence. Today, his 1579 landing is remembered as one of the most significant episodes of early English exploration in the Pacific.