Gaspar de Portolá: Disenchanted Conquistador of Spanish Upper California

Abstract

During the year 1969 Calif ornians celebrated the bicentennial of the origin of their state's modern period the birth of Spanish Upper California. Those familiar with that historic event know that delivery came only after a prolonged period of severe labor pains ; for over two years the Spanish midwives of the colonizing expedition experienced extended voyages over unfriendly seas, lengthy marches over unfamiliar and difficult terrain, and agonizingly long vigils for overdue supply vessels. And through it all they had as their constant companions the twin scourges of hunger and disease. Credit for the enterprise's ultimate success despite such adversity has been generously distributed, and this is as it should be, for all of its participants displayed extraordinary courage and shared the common sacrifice. It generally is conceded, however, that a major factor in the preservation of Spain's precarious hold on Upper California during that crisis period was the capable and courageous leadership of the expedition's military-commander Captain Gasper de Portola. Recognition of Portola's contribution as Upper California colonizer rests upon a broad and solid base. A grateful Spain promptly promoted him to the rank of lieutenant colonel. Historians invariably have lauded him both as a man and as a leader. Modern California has honored his