José María Narváez (1768-1840) was a Spanish explorer and naval officer who played a major role in the exploration and colonization of the Pacific Northwest of North America. He was born in the city of Cádiz, Spain, and joined the Spanish Navy at the age of 15. He quickly rose through the ranks and was eventually appointed to the rank of lieutenant in 1790.
Narváez was sent to the Pacific Northwest in 1791 as part of a Spanish expedition to explore and colonize the region. He was the first European to explore the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which separates Vancouver Island from the mainland of British Columbia. He also explored the Strait of Georgia, which separates Vancouver Island from the mainland of Washington State. During his explorations, Narváez encountered several Native American tribes, including the Nuu-chah-nulth, the Makah, and the Chinook. He also encountered the British explorer George Vancouver, who was exploring the same region at the same time.
In 1792, Narváez was appointed to the rank of captain and was given command of the Spanish ship San Carlos. He sailed up the coast of California and explored the San Francisco Bay. He also explored the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, and he named several of the rivers and bays he encountered.
In 1793, Narváez was sent to explore the coast of Alaska. He explored the coast of the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands. He also encountered the Tlingit people, who were living in the area at the time.
In 1794, Narváez was sent to explore the coast of Oregon. He explored the Columbia River and the Willamette River, and he named several of the rivers and bays he encountered. He also encountered the Chinook people, who were living in the area at the time.
In 1795, Narváez was sent to explore the coast of California. He explored the coast of California from San Diego to San Francisco. He also encountered the Chumash people, who were living in the area at the time.
In 1796, Narváez was sent to explore the coast of Mexico. He explored the coast of Mexico from San Diego to Acapulco. He also encountered the Aztec people, who were living in the area at the time.
In 1797, Narváez was sent to explore the coast of Peru. He explored the coast of Peru from Lima to Callao. He also encountered the Inca people, who were living in the area at the time.
In 1798, Narváez was sent to explore the coast of Chile. He explored the coast of Chile from Valparaiso to Chiloé. He also encountered the Mapuche people, who were living in the area at the time.
In 1802, Narváez was sent to explore the coast of Ecuador. He explored the coast of Ecuador from Guayaquil to Esmeraldas. He also encountered the Shuar people, who were living in the area at the time.
In 1803, Narváez was sent to explore the coast of Colombia. He explored the coast of Colombia from Cartagena to Santa Marta. He also encountered the Kuna people, who were living in the area at the time.
In 1804, Narváez was sent to explore the coast of Venezuela. He explored the coast of Venezuela from La Guaira to Maracaibo. He also encountered the Warao people, who were living in the area at the time.
In 1805, Narváez was sent to explore the coast of Panama. He explored the coast of Panama from Panama City to Portobelo. He also encountered the