The Ship That Gave Newport Beach Its Name: The Voyage of the Vaquero

Before Newport Beach became famous for yachts, oceanfront homes, and one of Southern California’s most recognizable harbors, it was a difficult stretch of coastline that few considered suitable for commercial shipping. In 1870, Captain Samuel S. Dunnells guided a small vessel called the Vaquero through the entrance of the bay and helped demonstrate that goods could be delivered directly into the area. The successful voyage contributed to people referring to the landing as a “new port,” a name that would eventually become Newport. This is the story of the modest commercial voyage that helped put Newport Beach on the map.