By Phin Upham Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed under Portugal’s flag, and is credited with having explored much of the western coast of North America. He was the first European to set foot in present day California. He began his expeditions having joined forces with Hernan Cortez in New Spain (or present day Mexico). He found a gold mine and used its yield to become one of the richest men in Mexico. Cabrillo’s history is one of turmoil and bloodshed. He benefitted extensively from the forced slavery of natives in the lands he visited, but he was largely considered a self-made man. He built the ships he used for his expeditions; he financed his operations through contracts that brought him profits from trade or treasure. Cabrillo was commissioned to sail north…