Today In History: The First Europeans Arrive in Alta California

Today In History: The First Europeans Arrive in Alta California

Map_of_California_Spanish_Mexican_Occupation

A soldier and explorer for the Spanish Crown, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo was known as the "discoverer" of California; on September 28th, 1542, he and his crew aboard the San Salvador and the Victoria landed at San Diego Bay and claimed it for Spain, despite the indigenous people living there. Cabrillo was believed to be the first European to explore the West Coast of the United States, including California's channel islands, from Baja California to northern California.  While little is known of Cabrillo's early life, his arrival in Alta California signaled the beginning of occupation, first by Spain and then by Mexico, through 1847. During this time as many as 21 missions were created along the coast in an effort to spread Catholicism, while small towns, known as pueblos, would become San Diego and Los Angeles -- home to more Europeans, the English among them.

Native Americans, including the Chowigna and Suangna, lived in the Palos Verdes peninsula (southwestern Los Angeles County) for at least 7,000 years.  Archaeological treasures, such as arrowheads, stone tools, and skeletal remains in burial sites, confirmed their existence and drew attention to the significant role of indigenous peoples in the history and cultures of the Americas. From the 16th through the 19th centuries populations of Native Americans declined due to a variety of factors, including epidemic diseases from Europe; violence and warfare with European explorers and colonists; and conflict between tribes, as well as their displacement or loss of land.

The following articles are drawn from Proquest Historical Newspapers, which informs and inspires classroom teaching and learning:

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