José Velásquez (explorer) facts for kids

José Velásquez (born 1717, died 1785) was a Spanish soldier. He worked in places like Baja California (which is part of Mexico today) and Alta California (which is now the state of California in the USA). He was famous for leading important trips to explore these areas. He also wrote down what he saw and did in his diaries and reports, which are very helpful for understanding history.

A Spanish Explorer's Journey

Early Life and Joining the Army

José Velásquez was born in a place called San Ildefonso de Ostimuri, in Sonora, which is now part of Mexico. In 1751, when he was about 34 years old, he joined the army. He started as a private soldier. His first job was with the military group in Loreto, Baja California Sur. This group worked with Jesuit missionaries, who were a type of religious order.

Moving Up in the Ranks

In 1768, the Jesuits had to leave Baja California. Another religious group, the Franciscans, took over. The government of New Spain (which was what Mexico and parts of the U.S. were called back then) also became more involved. At this time, Velásquez was promoted to a corporal, which is a higher rank in the army. He likely joined the Portolá expedition, a very important journey that explored Alta California in 1769-1770. This was the first group to travel by land to places like San Diego and Monterey, California. Velásquez worked under Fernando Rivera y Moncada, who was the second-in-command of this expedition.

Important Missions and Promotions

In 1770, while in Monterey, Velásquez was sent on a special mission. He traveled south by land all the way to southern Baja California Sur. From there, he went to San Blas and then to Mexico City to deliver important documents. He returned to Baja California in 1771 and was promoted again, this time to sergeant. In 1773, he received another promotion to alférez, which is like an ensign or a junior officer. He was then put in charge of the soldiers at Misión San Fernando Rey de España de Velicatá.

Exploring for New Missions

In 1773, the Dominicans took over from the Franciscans in Baja California. The Franciscans then moved north into Alta California. A big part of Velásquez's job was to find good spots for new Dominican missions. These missions were like settlements and churches. He led trips that found the locations for El Rosario, Santo Domingo, and San Vicente. He also explored the desert area east of the Sierra San Pedro Mártir mountains.

Later Years and More Expeditions

In 1780, Velásquez moved to the presidio of San Diego, which was a military fort. He became the second-in-command there. In July 1781, a group of Native Americans called the Quechan (who lived near the lower Colorado River) started a revolt. They killed missionaries, settlers, and travelers. Velásquez was in charge of the soldiers from San Diego who were sent to deal with the rebels. In 1783, Velásquez led another exploration trip. This time, he looked at the area east of San Diego to find a shorter way to the lower Colorado River. His most ambitious trip was in 1785. He traveled from San Vicente northeast to the lower Colorado River and the Imperial Valley, and then returned to San Diego.

His Legacy

José Velásquez wrote down everything he saw and did during his explorations in diaries and reports. These writings have been published and are very important. They help historians learn about the early history of the region and the people who lived there.