Alonso de Estrada facts for kids

Alonso de Estrada (born around 1470 in Ciudad Real, Castile – died February 16, 1530, in what is now Veracruz, Mexico) was an important leader in New Spain (which is now Mexico). He served during the time when Hernán Cortés was in charge, but before the first main governor (called a viceroy) was appointed. Alonso de Estrada was part of special groups of three leaders, called "triumvirates," who governed the colony for short periods between 1524 and 1528 when Cortés was away.

Early Life and Career

Alonso de Estrada was believed to have a connection to King Ferdinand II of Aragon. He received a good education and was a very skilled military commander. He fought in wars in Europe, including in Flanders, and later as an admiral in battles in Málaga and Sicily.

When he returned to Spain, he fought in the Castilian War of the Communities. This war was against rebels who opposed Emperor Charles V. Because of his loyalty, Emperor Charles V rewarded him. Alonso was first made a corregidor (a local official like a mayor or judge) in Cáceres. Later, he was given the important job of treasurer for New Spain. People sometimes called him "the magnificent lord, the treasurer Alonso de Estrada, governor of this New Spain for their majesties." His wife, Marina de la Caballería, joined him in New Spain in 1523.

Royal Treasurer of New Spain

Alonso de Estrada arrived in New Spain in 1523. He was appointed as the colony's treasurer by the Council of the Indies, a group in Spain that managed the colonies. His main job was to work with Cortés's government and make sure the Spanish Crown's interests were protected.

Other officials were also sent by the Crown to check on Cortés's rule. One of them, Luis Ponce de León, sadly died shortly after arriving.

First Time in Government

In 1524, Governor and Captain General Cortés left Mexico City to go to Honduras. He left Alonso de Estrada, Rodrigo de Albornoz, and Alonso de Zuazo in charge of the government. This group of three leaders took power on October 12, 1524. They shared power with the local city government, called the ayuntamiento.

However, Estrada and Albornoz were not friends with Cortés. At one point, Estrada even tried to stop Cortés from coming back into Mexico City. This group governed for about two and a half months, until December 29, 1524. Then, two of them were replaced by Gonzalo de Salazar and Pedro Almíndez Chirino, following Cortés's instructions.

Second Time in Government

Estrada was part of the government again from February 17, 1525, to April 20, 1525. This time, the group had five members: Salazar, Almíndez, Estrada, Albornoz, and Zuazo.

On April 20, Salazar and Almíndez announced that no one should follow Estrada and Albornoz's orders. If they did, they would be punished. Estrada and Albornoz left Mexico City, but they were captured by armed men sent by Almíndez.

Third Time in Government

In early 1526, a messenger arrived in Mexico City from Cortés. He brought new orders: Salazar and Almíndez were to be replaced by Francisco de las Casas and Pedro de Alvarado. If Las Casas and Alvarado were not available, Estrada and Albornoz were to take their places.

On January 28, 1526, the opponents of Salazar and Almíndez took action. They marched through the streets, shouting "Long live Cortés!" They arrested Salazar and made the city government follow Cortés's orders. Since Las Casas and Alvarado were not there, Estrada and Albornoz rejoined the government. They governed from January 29, 1526, to June 24, 1526. Cortés then returned and took over the government again for a short time.

Fourth Time in Government

Alonso de Estrada served as a governor for a fourth time from March 2, 1527, to December 8, 1528. He governed with Gonzalo de Sandoval and Luis de la Torre. Sandoval was part of the government only until August 22, 1527.

On August 22, a royal order arrived in Mexico City. It confirmed that Alonso de Estrada was the official governor. This made his position very strong.

Family and Legacy

Alonso de Estrada passed away in Mexico City sometime between 1533 and 1537.

He was married to Marina Gutiérrez de la Caballería. Together, they had several children who became important figures in New Spain and Spain:

• Fray Juan de Estrada, who became a Benedictine monk.
• Luis Alfonso de Estrada, who was a lord and an administrator for King Philip II.
• Luisa de Estrada, who married Captain Jorge de Alvarado, a famous explorer and brother of Pedro de Alvarado.
• Marina de Estrada, who married Luis de Saavedra Guzmán.
• Ana de Estrada, who married Juan Alonso de Sousa, who became the treasurer of New Spain after Alonso de Estrada.
• Francisca de Estrada, who married Alonso de Ávalos Saavedra, a conqueror of Nueva Galicia.
• Beatriz de Estrada, who married Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, the first governor of the Kingdom of Nueva Galicia. Their family later became marquesses.

Many people today can trace their family history back to Alonso de Estrada and his wife.

See also

In Spanish: Alonso de Estrada (gobernador) para niños