The Portolá expedition was a Spanish voyage of exploration in 1769–1770 that was the first recorded European exploration of the interior of the present-day California. It was led by Gaspar de Portolá, governor of Las Californias, the Spanish colonial province that included California, Baja California, and other parts of present-day Mexico and the United States. The expedition led to the founding of Alta California and contributed to the solidification of Spanish territorial claims in the disputed and unexplored regions along the Pacific coast of North America.
Gaspar de Portolá, leader of the expedition
Point of San Francisco Bay Discovery
Gaspar de Portolà i Rovira
Portolá Trail historic plaque on rock in Elysian Park in Los Angeles, near the North Broadway-Buena Vista St. Bridge (CHL 655)
Gaspar de Portolá y Rovira was a Spanish military officer, best known for leading the Portolá expedition into California and for serving as the first Governor of the Californias. His expedition laid the foundations of important Californian cities like San Diego and Monterey, and bestowed names to geographic features throughout California, many of which are still in use.
Portrait held at the Casa Portolà in Catalonia.
Monument to Portolá in Balaguer, Catalonia.
Portolà expedition monument in Pacifica, California honoring Portolà's first sighting of San Francisco Bay.
Monument to Portolá in Sant Esteve de la Sarga, Catalonia.