JOAO RODRIQUES CABRILLO

Joao, i.e., Juan, Rodriques Cabrillo (“Cabrillo” is a Spanish corruption of the original Portuguese spelling “Cabrilho.”) was commissioned in 1542 by Viceroy of New Spain to seek out the Straits Anian, the mythical passage through North America between the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. The straits were the equivalent to the English “Northwest Passage.” The rumor, no doubt fostered by the wish for a passage, vexed Europeans for about 200 years. There had to be an easier route to the orient than around Tierra del Fuego. Since his commission was to find the passage, his whole voyage was considered a bust as far as the Spanish were concerned. In essence, the Spanish failed to recognize what was found – instead focusing only on what was not discovered. This was a common theme in the age of “discovery.”

Cabrillo, sailing in an undecked boat, explored the coast of Upper California, discovering in the process San Diego Bay, San Pedro Bay, Santa Monica Bay, Point Conception, Catalina and San Miguel islands, and finally, Monterey Bay (La Baya de Los Pinos). During his winter layover at San Miguel Island, Cabrillo suffered a compound fracture of his leg - the infection from which he later died. His leg was broken when crossing rock rubble along the shore when trying to come to the aid of his men who were attacked by Indians while collecting water at a spring. The rock rubble and spring are still there. During the following spring and summer, Cabrillo’s men continued to explore north along the coast as far as the southern coast of Oregon before returning to New Spain.

The expedition had been a major effort. However, no Straits of Anian were found, nor had the expedition found a land rich in gold and silver. Instead, another Baja California was discovered with only one harbor of note – that of San Diego. The land was devoid of riches and inhabited by hostile Indians. There would be no further exploration of Upper California for another 40 years. We remember and celebrate Cabrillo for what came later.

What came later was a disaster for the indigenous people of California, but it laid the foundation for the Anglo-American settlement of California. 

Mike Kuhn

8-15-04