Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo 

In 1542 a Portuguese navigator, explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, set sail a Spanish ship, from the west coast of Mexico. Explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo 's mission was to find a mythical northern passage between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo landed on the mainland near San Pedro. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo then began to explore this area and while Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo was exploring, he noticed an offshore island. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo did not wait, he set sail to it immediately.

On Saturday October 7, 1542, explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo landed on this island about 3 miles northwest of Avalon. This area of the newly found island was perfect for Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo to repair his ship. While approaching the island, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo met local indians who were very nice and friendly.

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo named this new found island San Salvador after his flagship. After some exploring of San Salvador, explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo continued on northwards. Unfortunately, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo died the following January while exploring the part of the island now known as San Miguel Island.