Duel over Slavery

Another in my theme of historical markers.

David Broderick was a US Senator from California. David Terry was the former Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court.

In September 1859, Terry, who was pro-slavery and blamed Broderick and his anti-slavery faction for his re-election defeat, got into a war of words with Broderick. Eventually, this became so heated that a Terry challenged Broderick to a duel.

At the duel, Broderick's gun went off prematurely, so Terry got off what was basically an unchallenged shot. Broderick died 4 days later, and was made into a martyr for the anti-slavery movement. This act is considered by many to be the defining moment that kept Slavery out of California, which was one of the factors hastening us to the Civil War.

The site of the duel is marked with this plaque and a couple of granite markers where each man stood.

Portola Expedition Camp Marker

In keeping with yesterday's "historical marker" theme, I bring you the marker of the location of the first campsite of the Portola Expedition after they discovered the San Francisco Bay. The actual campsite has been covered by what is now lake San Andreas, but near this spot is where, in November of 1769, 64 men, lead by Gaspar de Portolà, laid their head after a busy day where they were the first Europeans to see the San Francisco Bay.

Kanrin Maru Plaque

This plaque commemorates the arrival of the first Japanese ship in San Francisco harbor, the Kanrin Maru, on March 17, 1860. The plaque can be seen by the Palace of the Legion of Honor in Lands End.

Sailboat race on the bay

Another shot from the Sunday walk at Crissy Field. These boats are about 1/5th of the total number that were participating in the race.

Pelicans on the bay

Caught this flock of pelicans flying near BOB during our regular Sunday walk at Crissy Field.

Fish Cleaning Station

Woolsey park in Burlingame (on the bay by Kincaids).

Bob in the trees

Caught this picture of a ship going under the Big Orange Bridge (aka The Golden Gate Bridge) from the side of the road near Lands End.