Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo
Explorer and navigator of the Pacific
Born
1499
526 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 1543
482 years ago — 44 years old
Category
Explorers & Adventurers
Country
Portugal
Links & References
An explorer and navigator, he is recognized for being the first European to set foot on the West Coast of the present-day United States. Cabrillo embarked on an expedition along the coast of California in 1542, charting the coastline and establishing contact with indigenous peoples. His journey contributed to the Spanish exploration of the Pacific and laid the groundwork for further exploration. The details of his life and accomplishments remained largely unrecorded after his death in 1543, but his legacy as an early explorer endures.
First European to explore California's coast
Charted significant portions of the Pacific coast
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