Gonzalo López de Haro facts for kids

Gonzalo López de Haro was a brave Spanish explorer. He sailed the Pacific Northwest in the late 1700s. He helped Spain learn more about this part of the world.

Exploring the Pacific Northwest

In 1788, two Spanish ships went on an important mission. They needed to find out what the Russians were doing in Alaska. Esteban José Martínez was the leader of this trip. He captained the ship Princesa Real. Gonzalo López de Haro was also a skilled pilot. He commanded the ship San Carlos (el Filipino). José María Narváez sailed with Haro.

The ships reached Prince William Sound in May. Haro took his ship, San Carlos (el Filipino), west to Kodiak Island. On June 30, he found a Russian trading post at Three Saints Bay. The Russian leader, Evstrat Delarov, gave Haro a map. This map showed the Alaskan coast and where seven Russian posts were located. Delarov also told Narváez that the Russians planned to take over Nootka Sound. This important port was on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Narváez returned to the San Carlos (el Filipino). Haro then sailed east to meet Martínez again at Sitkinak Island. Haro and Martínez then sailed southwest. They wanted to explore Unalaska Island. There was a large Russian post there. Martínez arrived on July 29, and Haro arrived on August 4.

Later Expeditions and Legacy

In 1790 and 1791, Haro was a main pilot. He worked with the expedition led by Francisco de Eliza. Many believe Haro was the first European to discover the San Juan Islands.

Gonzalo López de Haro passed away in 1823 in Puebla, Mexico.

Today, two places are named after him. They are Haro Strait and Lopez Island.

See also

In Spanish: Gonzalo López de Haro para niños