Commanding five ships and 160 sailors on a voyage along the west coast of South America, Francis Drake in 1577 was sacking Spanish towns and seizing galleons. He caused such devastation that he believed it wise to return to England the long way--around the world. On that route, he paused long enough in San Francisco Bay to refit his remaining ship, the Golden Hind. Reportedly he left behind a brass plate claiming the whole of the California coast--which he named "New Albion"--in the name of Elizabeth I. After a four-year voyage, Drake returned to England with booty estimated at more than a half-million pounds. The queen gave him a knighthood.