Gaspar de Portolà was a Spanish explorer and soldier who was born in 1716 in Catalonia, Spain. He is best known for leading the first Spanish expedition to explore and map the coast of California. He was also the first European to set foot in what is now the state of California.
Portolà was born into a noble family and was educated in the military. He joined the Spanish army in 1735 and served in the War of the Austrian Succession. He was promoted to the rank of captain in 1745 and was sent to the New World in 1767. He was assigned to lead an expedition to explore the coast of California.
The expedition was composed of two ships, the San Carlos and the San Antonio, and a land party of 63 men. They set sail from La Paz, Mexico on January 9, 1769. After a long and difficult journey, they arrived at San Diego Bay on April 29, 1769. Portolà and his men were the first Europeans to set foot in what is now the state of California.
The expedition continued north, exploring the coast and mapping the area. They reached Monterey Bay on June 3, 1769 and continued north to San Francisco Bay. They then turned south and arrived back in San Diego on July 1, 1769.
Portolà and his men had accomplished their mission of exploring and mapping the coast of California. They had also made contact with the local Native American tribes, who were friendly and helpful.
Portolà returned to Mexico in 1770 and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was later appointed governor of Alta California in 1774. He served in this position until 1777, when he was replaced by Felipe de Neve.
Portolà died in 1786 in Mexico City. He is remembered as one of the most important explorers of the New World. His expedition was the first to explore and map the coast of California, and he was the first European to set foot in what is now the state of California.
Portolà's legacy lives on in the many places that bear his name, including the cities of Portola Valley and Portola Hills in California. He is also remembered for his contributions to the exploration and mapping of the New World. His expedition was a major milestone in the history of California and the United States.