Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo brought the first European explorers to the west coast of the United States 475 years ago. This compact book traces Cabrillo's historic voyage north from Mexico in 1542, sent into unknown and unmapped waters in search of the Spice Islands and a fabled river said to flow from the Rocky Mountains into the Pacific Ocean. He failed to reach his goals, but in the process he and his crew became the first Europeans to encounter the peoples and lands of present day California, from San Diego and the Channel Islands north as far as Point Reyes and Point Arena.

In this updated edition, historian Harry Kelsey cuts through the myths that have shrouded Cabrillo and his voyage, and presents the truth of his discoveries. The story culminates with his death due to a tragic accident while his fleet was wintering in California, cutting his life short before he could return to Spain and report on the new lands he had encountered.

Written in an accessible style suited to all readers, this short book will appeal to anyone interested in European explorers or California history. The text is complemented by twenty maps and illustrations, which bring the story to life.