1754-1810

Italian Explorer and Naval Captain

Alejandro Malaspina sailed on voyages of exploration in the Pacific Ocean for the King of Spain on his way to circumnavigating the globe in the latter part of the eighteenth century. During his travels he was able to report that the long-sought Northwest Passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific did not exist. He also explored the American west coast, conducted hydrographic surveys of the Americas, and visited numerous ports in the Pacific.

Malaspina was born into a distinguished Italian family in the then-Spanish city of Parma. He entered the Spanish navy, rising through the ranks to become a captain while still in his 30s. He was then given command of a two-ship squadron, Atrevida (which meant bold) and Descubierta (or discovery). With these ships he was to complete a number of significant voyages during his explorations for the Spanish...