Gaspar de Portolá
explorer and soldier in New Spain
Gaspar de Portolá y Rovira (January 1, 1716 – October 10, 1786) was a Spanish military officer, the first governor of California, and founder of Monterey and San Diego. He was accompanied by the priest Junípero Serra. Together they led the Spanish settlement of what is now the state of California
Gaspar de Portolá | |
|---|---|
| 1st Governor of the Californias | |
| In office November 30, 1767 – July 9, 1770 | |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Fernando Rivera y Moncada |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Gaspar de Portolà i Rovira January 1, 1716 Os de Balaguer, Spain |
| Died | October 10, 1786 (aged 70) Lleida, Spain |
| Resting place | Lleida |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Spanish Empire |
| Branch/service |  Army of Spain |
| Rank |  Captain |