San Felipe’s story begins with the early European explorers who ventured into the unknown, setting the stage for its rich history and the name it carries today. Here’s a glimpse into the town’s fascinating origins:
The tale kicks off in 1533, when Hernán Cortés, famous for his conquest of the Aztec Empire, turned his sights to the northern part of the country of what at the time was New Spain. Baja California proved a challenging territory as Cortés sent multiple missions without much success, until one managed to establish a colony named Bahia de Santa Cruz. Though this settlement didn’t last, this journey was the first step for success of the following expeditions.
Years later during 1539, when Francisco de Ulloa, a captain under Cortés was tasked to conduct explorations, took to the waters. Sailing along the Gulf of California, Ulloa meticulously mapped the coastline, ultimately concluding that Baja California was a peninsula and not an island—a geographical mystery that had puzzled the Europeans for decades.
During this time Hernando de Alarcón joined the journey, exploring other parts of the region. Along with Domingo Castillo, part of Ulloa’s team, during which San Felipe’s coast was first discovered by the Europeans and named Santa Catarina.
It wasn’t until 1746, more than two centuries later, that the bay received its now-familiar name. In the mid-18th century, Ferdinand Konščak was on a mission—both figuratively and literally. As a Jesuit missionary active in Baja California, he played a pivotal role in expanding the influence of Christianity among indigenous populations. His work included establishing missions and charting the land.
But Konščak wasn’t just a religious figure; he was an explorer with a keen eye for geography. His expeditions were instrumental in mapping Baja California, offering invaluable insights into its coastline and resources thus concluding how important the town would be as a supply hub for his mission due its advantageous location, he christened the area “San Felipe de Jesús” in honor of Saint Philip of Jesus.
Saint Philip of Jesus is a revered figure in Mexican Catholicism. A Franciscan friar, he became one of the 26 Martyrs of Japan, executed in 1597 for spreading Christianity in Nagasaki. Despite his tragic end, Saint Philip’s unwavering faith earned him sainthood, making him the first Mexican-born saint recognized by the Catholic Church. His feast day on February 5th is a significant occasion in the Catholic calendar, and his name remains a symbol of resilience and devotion.
From Cortés’s bold arrival to Konščak’s meaningful dedication, San Felipe’s early history is a testament to exploration, discovery, and faith. Today, its name honors not just a saint, but the enduring spirit of the region and its people.
Unlike other locations in Baja California, such as Loreto or San Javier, San Felipe was never designated as a permanent mission site during the Jesuit missionary period (1697–1767). The Jesuits prioritized inland areas where they could establish permanent settlements and engage directly with indigenous communities.
However, San Felipe’s coastal position made it a crucial logistical point. Ships could dock here to offload supplies like food, tools, and building materials, which were then transported to mission sites further inland. Without this kind of support, the missions—many of which were isolated in challenging desert terrain—would have struggled to sustain their operations.
By serving as a supply post, San Felipe indirectly supported the spread of Christianity among indigenous population, including the Cochimí, Guaycura, and Pericú peoples. These groups were brought into mission settlements, where they were introduced to new religious practices, agricultural techniques, and Spanish culture.
The missionaries aimed to reshape the lives of these communities, often with mixed results. While some indigenous groups adapted to the mission lifestyle, others resisted the cultural and social changes that came with Spanish colonization.