Juan José Pérez Hernández facts for kids
Juan José Pérez Hernández (born around 1725 – November 3, 1775), often called Juan Pérez, was an explorer from Spain in the 1700s. He was the first known European to see, explore, name, and write about the islands near what is now British Columbia, Canada.
Juan Pérez was born in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. He started his career as a piloto (a type of ship's master) in Spanish North America. He sailed on large ships called Manila galleons that traveled to and from the Philippines. In 1768, he was sent to the Pacific port of San Blas in Mexico. There, he became an ensign (alférez), which is a junior officer rank.
Juan Pérez's 1774 Journey
For about 250 years, Spain had claimed the northwest coast of North America but didn't explore or settle it much. However, by the late 1700s, Spain heard that Russian and British explorers were arriving along the Pacific Northwest and Alaskan coasts. This made Spain worried about their claims, so they decided to explore the area themselves.
In early 1774, the Viceroy of New Spain, Antonio María Bucareli y Ursúa, ordered Pérez to explore the Pacific coast. His main goal was to reach 60° north latitude (around where Cordova, Alaska is today). He was supposed to look for any Russian or British settlements and show that Spain still claimed the region. Spain sent the frigate Santiago north, with Pérez in command and most of the crew from New Spain. Pérez was told to treat all indigenous peoples with respect and try to make friends with them.
In July 1774, Pérez reached 54°40' north latitude, near Langara Island in Haida Gwaii. He met a group of Haida natives there, but he did not go ashore. Pérez had to turn south at this point, even though the viceroy wanted him to go further north. This was because his ship was running low on supplies, and his crew was getting sick.
On August 7, 1774, he reached Nootka Sound (part of today's Vancouver Island). Here, he had many interactions with the local people and even traded goods with them for the first time. Again, he did not go ashore because of bad weather that almost caused his ship to crash.
Pérez was joined by two friars, Juan Crespí and Tomas de la Pena Y Saravia. Pérez named present-day Mount Olympus in Washington Cerro Nevado de Santa Rosalía, which means "Snowy Peak of Saint Rosalia".
Pérez continued south to the Presidio of Monterey in The Californias, arriving on August 28, 1774. After a short stop, he sailed back to San Blas, reaching it on November 5, 1774. This completed his journey.
The 1775 Expedition
In 1775, another expedition was planned, led by Bruno de Heceta and Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra. Pérez joined this trip as the piloto (navigator) on Heceta's ship, the Santiago.
Sadly, Juan Pérez died on the way back from this expedition. He passed away on November 3, 1775, while sailing between Monterey, California and San Blas.
What We Remember Him For
Juan Perez Sound, located off the east coast of Moresby Island in Haida Gwaii, is named after him.
See also
In Spanish: Juan José Pérez Hernández para niños
