Juan José Pérez Hernández

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Juan José Pérez Hernández (ca. 1725-November 3, 1775), often simply Juan Pérez, was an 18th century Spanish explorer. He was the first European to sight, examine, name, and record the islands near present-day British Columbia, Canada. Born in Mallorca, he served as a pilot on ships en route to the Philippines from the American continent. In 1768, he was assigned to San Blas and acquired the rank of ensign (alférez).

He was recommended for a mission to explore Alta California. He departed on 1769 from Cabo San Lucas and arrived at San Diego.

[edit] Voyage to the North

The viceroy Antonio María Bucareli y Ursúa would command him to continue exploring the Pacific coast with the objective of reaching north 60 latitude to discover possible Russian settlements and claim the land for Spain. Rumours of Russian fur traders caused the Spanish to send the Santiago north under the command of Pérez. His frigate, the Santiago, was manned mostly by Mexicans.

In July 1774, he briefly met a group of Haida off the northwestern tip of Langara Island, one of the Queen Charlotte Islands. He also reached Vancouver Island.

Pérez reached Nootka Sound (at 55º N) and gave the name of "Cerro Nevada de Santa Rosalia" ("Snowy Peak of St. Rosalia") to Mount Olympus. He also sighted the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Due to the lack of provisions, Pérez was forced to return before completing his mission. Pérez had been accompanied by Fray Juan Crespi and Fr. Tomás de la Peña Suria (or Savaria). Suria executed a number of drawings which today serve as invaluable records of Tlingit life in the precolonial period.

[edit] Second Voyage

In 1775, a second expedition under Bruno de Heceta and Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra was organized. Pérez participated as pilot of Heceta's ship, the Santiago.

Pérez died on the return journey, on November 3, 1775, between Monterrey and San Blas. His body was buried at sea.