Exploration of California

Cabrillo

Jun 27, 1542

Juan Cabrillo leaves Navidad in New Spain and sets sail for the coast of California. *Juan Cabrillo was a conquistador and sea captain. He was told by the viceroy of New Spain to explore the coast of California and go farther North than Cortes had gone.

Cabrillo

Sep 28, 1542

Juan Cabrillo, sent by New Spain's viceroy, anchors at San Miguel Bay (which is now known as San Diego)

Ferrelo

Apr 14, 1543

Cabrillo's chief pilot, Bartolome Ferrelo, arrives in Navidad. *Because of bad weather he was not able to go as north as Cabrillo had intended to; he had to turn back,

Drake

Jun 17, 1579

Francis Drake was a sea captain who was sent by the Queen of England,
On this day Drake repairs his ship on the northern California Coast at a Bay that is named Drake's Bay (present day San Francisco). Drake named it Nova Albion.

Cermeno

Nov 6, 1595

Sebastian Cermeno anchors at Drake's Bay, which he called the Bay of San Francisco. *Cermeno was a Portuguese explorer in charge of the galleons. He was to find a port where the galleons could anchor safely and the sailors could go on land to get water and fresh food. *The galleons carried silver and gold, which added weight to the galleons. Consequently, the trip back took longer and the sailors needed to stop to get more food and water.

Vizcaino

May 5, 1602

Sebastioan Vizcaino leaves Acapulco and sets sail for the coast of California. *Sebastian Vizcaino was sent by the viceroy of New Spain to search for a safe port, where galleons could safely load and unload cargo. He was also told to name all of the places where he anchored after Catholic saints.