Daily Alta California, Volume 1, Number 104, 30 April 1850
REPORT FROM THE SELECT COMMITTEE
On the Derivation and Definition
of the Names of the several Counties
of the State of California, &c.
Trinadad. — Signifies Trinity. The Roman Catholics annually celebrate a certain Sunday in honor of the Most Holy Trinity. This festival has been observed since the year 1260, when it was so regulated by the Council of Arlez. Trinity Bay was so called from having been discovered on the anniversary of this festival, June 11, 1775, by the second naval exploring expedition, consisting of a frigate in command of Captain Bruno Ezeta, and a sloop commanded by Juan de la Quadra y Bodega. Hence the name of the county. The bay has been newly surveyed and found accessible.
Since last January, rich gold ” placeres ” have been discovered there ; and the surrounding fertile country, formerly known as New Albion, is now being settled.