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 from Navidad, Mexico on June 27, 1542. He took three ships with him and set out to Baja Point, eventually coming upon present day San Diego Bay. Within a week, he’d reached Santa Catalina Island. There, he was confronted by armed natives but texts from the time say the crew befriended the natives and left the island untouched.
By November of 1542, the expedition had taken Cabrillo’s expedition had taken him to Santa Barbara and Ventura. Yet he had still not found substantial trade. Unfortunately, he never would. Seeing his men under attack by natives , he stepped from his boat and shattered his shin on a jagged rock. The wound became infected with gangrene and Cabrillo is said to have died on January 3, 1543.
About the Author: Phin Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media and Telecom group. You may contact Phin on his Phin Upham website or Facebook page.