Spanish Explorers

Christopher Columbus sets sail

Oct 12, 1492

Christopher Columbus sets sail to discover the rest of the world

Hernando Cortez attacks Aztecs

Jan 12, 1521

Hernando Cortez attacks the Aztec indians, steals their gold, silver, and jewel, tore down the city of Tenochititlan and renamd it New Spain.

Hernando Cortez reaches Baja California

Jan 1, 1535

Hernando Cortez reaches Baja California thinking it was an island.

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sails out to explore Alta California

Jun 12, 1542

Cabrillo Set out from Mexico to explore where Spain later named Alta California.

Cabrillo and his crew land in San Diego Bay

Sep 12, 1542

Cabrillo's ship that carried 250 sailors and soldiers reach San Diego Bay and meet Chumash indians.

Francis Drake sets sail for New Spain

Dec 12, 1577

Francis Drake sets sail for New Spain where he attacked Spanish ships and settlemenets and took their gold and other riches.

Sebastian Viscaino sails to Monteray Bay

Jan 12, 1602

Viscaino sails to Monteray Bay in Alta California.