The Story Behind Dana Point's Name
Unraveling the rich history behind Dana Point's name takes us back to the life of Richard Henry Dana Jr., a multifaceted personality who was much more than just an avid sea voyager.
His story is a mix of maritime adventures, academic pursuits, political endeavors, and a profound sense of justice, all of which contributed to shaping the identity of Dana Point.
Richard Henry Dana Jr.: Scholar, Sailor, and Social Advocate
Richard Henry Dana Jr. was a scholar, mentored by Ralph Waldo Emerson, who entered Harvard in 1831. However, due to vision problems, Dana temporarily exchanged his textbooks for a sailor's life. He embarked on a two-year sea voyage aboard the ship Pilgrim, a hide-trading vessel that frequently docked along the California coast.
Dana's voyage wasn't just about adventure. He meticulously recorded his experiences, providing a detailed account of California's then undeveloped coastline. These writings would later be published as "Two Years Before the Mast," his classic sea narrative.
After his maritime adventure, Dana returned to academia, graduating from Harvard in 1837, earning a Bachelor of Laws in 1839, and receiving a Doctor of Laws in 1866. His legal career led him to advocate for fugitive slaves and argue in the U.S. Supreme Court in support of naval blockades of southern ports during the Civil War.
Dana's Point: A Romantic Spot on the Coast
In his narrative, Dana described one area of the coastline as "the only romantic spot on the coast." He was referring to what we now know as Dana Point. This location, initially known as Capistrano Bay, captivated Dana with its commanding headland overlooking the bay.
His fondness for the site didn't go unnoticed. The headland was later christened "Dana's Point," and the surrounding town adopted the name Dana Point in honor of his contributions.
A Legacy Etched in Stone and Time
Despite a failed nomination as U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain and accusations of plagiarism, Dana's professional life was far from overshadowed. He was an author of eight books and a notable figure in maritime law. His experiences aboard tall ships led him to advocate for the better treatment of sailors.
His work took him to Italy in 1882 to study their laws. Unfortunately, he contracted influenza during this trip and passed away. He rests in the Protestant Cemetery in Rome, but his legacy lives on in Dana Point.
The Pilgrim: From Voyages to the Ocean Floor
FUN FACT: In the 1980s, a full-sized replica of the Pilgrim was built and docked in Dana Point Harbor as a monument to Dana's journey and the town's maritime history. The ship served as a living history museum, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the world of 19th-century seafaring.
However, in 2020, the Pilgrim succumbed to the elements and sank in the harbor. Despite attempts to salvage her, the damage was too extensive, and she was eventually dismantled.
