Juan rodriguez cabrillo timeline for kids

(1475-1543)

Who Was Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo?

Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo was an ambitious, at times ruthless Portuguese soldier who served the Spanish Empire.

He participated in the conquest of Cuba in the early 1500s and later battled the Aztecs in Mexico. Cabrillo eventually made his fortune in Guatemala, mining gold and trading goods while participating in the enslaved trade. In hopes of more riches, he set out to explore the California coast, mapping landmarks and identifying villages.

Juan rodriguez cabrillo expedition

He died on January 3, 1543, of infection from a wound suffered after an attack on his expedition by Tongva tribesmen.

Early Life

Cabrillo’s early life is a mystery. Historians believe he may have been of Portuguese descent but was born in Spain around 1475.

More than one village in Portugal claims to be his birthplace. What is known is that he was raised in Castile, Spain under humble beginnings.

New World Expeditions

As a young man, Cabrillo became a skilled seaman,