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Gaspar De Portola was the first Governor of Upper and Lower California, from 1767 to 1771, under Spanish regime. In 1769 he visited California and made his residence here until 1771 – the expiration of his term. On July 14, 1769, he left San Diego with a small force in search of Monterey, by failed to find it. While continuing the search he explored the peninsula on which San Francisco is now built, and looked upon the Bay of San Francisco within the Golden gate being, according to best authorities, the first white man who ever gazed upon these waters. Father Junipero Serra was president of the Missions of California during this time, establishing the Mission Dolores October 9th 1776. Portola as Commander in Chief of land expeditions, visited the Missions at San Diego, Monterey and San Buenaventura. |
