beachgoers @ francis beach.
the native american culture of ohlone people lived along san mateo county coast many thousands of years, in small , scattered villages because of limited availability of food. native way of life rapidly changed during late 18th century when first europeans arrived.
the first european land exploration of alta california, spanish portolà expedition, passed through area on way north, camping on october 28–29, 1769 near shore either @ frenchman creek or pilarcitos creek, both of reach bay along beach. franciscan missionary juan crespi described nearby pillar point in diary, in place there many geese, , reason soldiers named plain of los ansares . camp the...point lies north-northwest, , high rocks 2 thick farallones [rocky islands] of irregular , pointed shape.
with founding of mission dolores (mission san francisco de asís) in 1776, san mateo coast area came use grazing of mission livestock. following secularization of missions in 1834, mission lands subdivided large grants called ranchos. cattle ranching primary agricultural activity, , hide , tallow trade main economic activity. south of pilarcitos creek, beach part of rancho miramontes, granted in 1841. north of pilarcitos creek rancho corral de tierra (vasquez), granted in 1839.
the first americans arrived in area in 1850s. mexican settlement known spanishtown, commercial center rancheros, called halfmoon these anglos; bay named halfmoon due shape. in 1867 local post office identified halfmoon bay , , spelling changed half moon bay in 1905. agriculture developed in half moon bay turn of 20th century, crops such brussels sprouts, artichokes, , mushrooms along dairy products. ocean shore railroad incorporated in 1905 , running along coast half moon bay san francisco end of 1908.
during 1920s gentle beaches of half moon bay ideally suited needs of bootlegger. rum ships cruised off shore, unloading millions of dollars worth of illegal booze across half moon bay francis beach perfect spot unloading cargo. during world war ii army post set @ beach protect japanese invasion , bombing raids, further north bunkers , long range cannons built support coastline.
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