Spain

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Spain, which controlled Mexico and most of South and Central America, claimed the North American Pacific Coast as its own. When it learned that the Russians were establishing hunting camps in Alaska, it quickly sought to extend its control north from Mexico.

In 1764, the Viceroy of Mexico established settlements on the California coast at San Diego and Monterrey. Several expeditions were sent north in 1774, 1777, 1778, 1790, and 1792 to take possession of Alaska for Spain. These visited Southeast Alaska, Prince William Sound, and Cook Inlet (which they called English Bay). They claimed the area for Spain but were alarmed by evidence of heavy Russian, English, and American trading in the area.

Areas of Alaska Explored by Spain

In the end, Spain decided that it was overextended in America. A conflict with Britain regarding the control of Vancouver Island (in British Colombia, Canada) nearly caused a war. This led to the Nootka Convention of 1790, in which Spain surrendered its claim to present-day Canada and Alaska. In 1819, Spain signed a treaty with the U.S., establishing the boundary with the U.S. at 42 degrees N. latitude, the current Oregon/California border.

The names of geographic features commemorates the brief period of Spanish interest in Alaska. Two of Alaska's towns, Cordova and Valdez, draw their names from Spanish explorations. Other geographical features, such as Malaspina Glacier and Bucareli Bay, were also named by Spanish explorers.

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