Phelan Beach/China Beach

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How did China Beach at Sea Cliff get its name? And when did it become Phelan Beach?

-- Steve Davis (sdavis22@slip.net), December 13, 2004

Answers

China Beach got its name from the Chinese Fisherman that worked from its shores in the 1800s. It was named Phelan Beach to honor Senator James Phelan shortly after his death. The name reverted back to China Beach after a legistlative act.

Good luck in your research.

-- kurt iversen (Iversenk@aol.com), December 13, 2004.


I'm slightly confused about Chinese fishing practices. My understanding was these men mostly worked as shrimpers well inside the Bay and didn't venture outside the Gate. Why were they camping in such an exposed location on the open ocean?

-- John Martini (jamartini@slip.net), December 14, 2004.

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