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Two armed Filipinos went to take over land for Spain and to explore. Amid discrimination, economic hardship, and struggle for identity where complications.
https://medium.com/frame-of-reference/the-first-asians-in-america-ec6aac18c62a -
The Filipino sailors arrived in Morro Bay, California from a Spanish galleon from Manila. The landing was part of a Spanish expedition led by Captain Pedro de Unamuno. This marked the first arrival of Asians in Continental US. https://www.history.com/articles/asian-american-timeline -
They now have spotted Native Americans most likely the Chumash Salian people who inhabited the area. The Native Americans fled before any interaction.
https://muse.jhu.edu/article/908214/summary -
They had an interaction with 23 Native Americans.
The situation escalated when the Native Americans attempted to take clothing and water canteens from the sailors and tried to capture Father Martin Ignacio de Loyola, a priest with the expedition. With shots being fired two members were killed they are now fleeing and continuing an expedition to Acapulco Mexico.
https://muse.jhu.edu/article/908214/summary -
The galleons crossed the Pacific Ocean between Manila, Philippines, and Acapulco, Mexico. They were a primary trade route for moving goods between Asia, the Americas, and Europe. The Luzions worked hard in harsh conditions since they were a significant portion of the crew.
https://www.britannica.com/technology/Manila-galleon -
Filipino sailors(Luzones) also known as ¨Manilamen¨ or regular trade vessels deserted their ships in Mexico. Then they traveled into the bayous of Louisiana. It was under Spanish colonial rule and governed until the Louisiana purchase of 1803.
https://asianamericanedu.org/manilamen-first-asian-american-settlement.html#:~:text=In%201763%2C%20Filipino%20sailors%2C%20as,shrimp%20in%20a%20circular%20motion. -
In St. Bernard Parish they established fishing villages and settled. They built houses on stilts and pioneered shrimp techniques like ¨shrimp dance¨ These techniques became cornerstone of the local seafood industry.
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20221127-saint-malo-the-first-asian-settlement-in-the-us -
Territorial disputes between the British and the United States began The War of 1812. This led to the Filipino settlers being recruited by pirate Jean Lafitte. They contributed to the US victory in the January 8, 1815 battle.
https://history.state.gov/milestones/1801-1829/war-of-1812#:~:text=After%20Napoleon's%20disastrous%20Russian%20campaign,territorial%20control%20of%20North%20America. -
Filipino fishing settlements at the Manilla Village in Barataria Bay were permanently destroyed by Hurricane Betsy. Being the first Atlantic hurricane to cost $1 Billion in damages. It left the community's history erased and they moved into the greater New Orleans area.
https://www.history.navy.mil/research/publications/documentary-histories/united-states-navy-s/the-battle-of-manila.html#:~:text=George%20Dewey's%20Asiatic%20Squadron,failings%2C%20and%20Dewey's%20bold%20leadership. -
The official historical recognition of the Saint Malo settlement in 2019 was the result of years of effort by the local Filipino community and marks a major milestone in Filipino American history. A public unveiling ceremony occurred November 9, 2019.
https://filipinola.com/resources/archives/files/original/7d48bcb7574b0c42fe515c626fd0e0e5.pdf