Francisco de Eliza was a Spanish explorer and navigator who was born in the late 16th century in the city of Seville, Spain. He is best known for his exploration of the Pacific Northwest coast of North America, which he undertook in 1774.
Eliza was born into a family of merchants and was educated in the arts and sciences. He was a skilled navigator and cartographer, and he was also a talented artist. He was a member of the Spanish Navy and served in the Caribbean and the Pacific. He was also a member of the Royal Spanish Academy of Sciences.
In 1774, Eliza was chosen to lead an expedition to explore the Pacific Northwest coast of North America. He was accompanied by two ships, the San Carlos and the San Antonio. The expedition was commissioned by the Spanish Viceroy of New Spain, Antonio María de Bucareli y Ursúa. The goal of the expedition was to explore the area and to establish a Spanish presence in the region.
The expedition left from San Blas, Mexico, and sailed north along the coast of California. They stopped at various ports along the way, including Monterey, San Francisco, and San Diego. They also explored the islands of the Santa Barbara Channel and the Channel Islands.
The expedition continued north, eventually reaching the mouth of the Columbia River. Eliza named the river after the Spanish explorer, Christopher Columbus. He then sailed up the river and explored the area, eventually reaching the site of present-day Astoria, Oregon.
Eliza and his crew then sailed south, eventually reaching San Blas. The expedition was a success, and Eliza was praised for his skill and courage. He was also awarded a pension by the Spanish government for his service.
Eliza's expedition was the first European exploration of the Pacific Northwest coast of North America. His exploration helped to open up the region to further exploration and settlement by Europeans. His maps and charts of the region were also used by later explorers and settlers.
Eliza's legacy lives on today. He is remembered as a brave explorer and navigator who helped to open up the Pacific Northwest to European exploration and settlement. His maps and charts of the region are still used today, and his name is remembered in many places, including the city of Eliza, Oregon.