The Miwok Indians enjoyed hunting and fishing for over 6000 years on Angel Island. They would make boats from Tule reeds and construct a boat to go over to the largest island in the San Francisco Bay.

In 1775 the Spaniards under Lt. Juan Manual de Ayala, used the island’s harbor to anchor in a cove pictured on the right. They used the harbor to protect their ship from the strong currents, wind, and fog that is common on the San Francisco Bay. These explorers made the first map in California using this island.