Ambrosio de Funes Villalpando facts for kids

Ambrosio de Funes Villalpando, also known as the Count of Ricla, was an important Spanish leader. He was born in Zaragoza, Spain, in 1720. He later became the Captain General of Cuba from 1763 to September 1766. Before this, he represented Spain as a diplomat in Russia. After returning to Spain, he was appointed as the Viceroy of Navarre and the Captain General of Catalonia. Finally, he served King Carlos III as his Secretary of War.

Biography

Villalpando joined the Spanish Army. In 1760, he was chosen to represent Spain at the royal court of Russia. In July 1763, a big war called the Seven Years' War ended. Great Britain had defeated France. They signed a peace agreement called the Treaty of Paris with Spain. This treaty decided who controlled lands in North America. France gave its lands east of the Mississippi River to Britain. France also gave West Louisiana and some Caribbean islands to Spain. The Count of Ricla then took control of the island of Cuba for the king of Spain. He became its governor and captain general.

Villalpando served in this role until September 1766. During his time, he made many improvements. He worked on strengthening Cuba's defenses. He repaired the forts around the city of Havana. He also started building a large new fortress called La Cabaña. Villalpando also made the government work better. He organized the finance department, the police, the local army (militia), and the hospitals. In 1764, he even started a newspaper called La Gaceta de la Havana (The Havana Gazette).

After his time in Cuba, Villalpando went back to Spain. He was appointed as the Viceroy of Navarre. This meant he governed that region for the king. He also became the Captain General of Catalonia. During the rule of King Carlos III, Villalpando was part of the king's main advisors. He served as the Secretary of War. This was a very important job.

Villalpando passed away in Madrid on July 15, 1782. He was 62 years old.

Honors

• One of the most important streets in Havana is named Calle de Ricla. It is named in his honor.

See also

In Spanish: Ambrosio de Funes Villalpando para niños