Sebastián Vizcaíno
Spanish explorer
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Sebastián Vizcaíno was a Spanish navigator who explored the southern coast of California in 1602. He named several significant locations, including San Diego, Santa Catalina Island, Santa Barbara, and Monterey. Vizcaíno and other explorers of his time mistakenly believed California was an island, a misconception that was discouraging due to difficulties in charting its surrounding waters. His exploration occurred during a period when Spain had largely neglected the region for over two centuries.1
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